Kanniyakumari Collector M. Prathap has issued a strict deadline to NHAI officials to complete the ₹1,041 crore 4-lane highway project before the end of this year.

  • Collector M. Prathap has set a hard December deadline for the 4-lane highway completion.
  • The project, costing ₹1,041.30 crore, aims to resolve long-standing connectivity issues.
  • Local administration will ensure seamless supply of construction materials like sand and metal.

In a decisive move to improve regional connectivity, Kanniyakumari District Collector M. Prathap has instructed National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials to expedite the construction of the 4-lane highway connecting Kanniyakumari and Kaliyakkavilai. The Collector has mandated that the stretch must be completed and opened to traffic before December this year.

During a comprehensive inspection of several locations, including Kulappuram, Vilaathurai, and Eraniel, the Collector emphasized that all departmental subordinates must extend maximum cooperation to NHAI to meet this deadline. While the Kerala unit of NHAI has already completed its portion connecting to Thiruvananthapuram, the Tamil Nadu segment has faced years of delays due to land acquisition hurdles and legal complications.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the current 40 km 2-lane road is in a state of total dilapidation. The presence of hundreds of potholes and the heavy volume of overloaded multi-axle trucks have made travel perilous. For patients traveling to Thiruvananthapuram hospitals or travelers heading to the international airport, this stretch has become a significant bottleneck and a safety hazard.

At any cost, work on this all-important stretch connecting Kanniyakumari and Kaliyakkavilai should be completed before December.

The project involves the construction of critical infrastructure, including rail overbridges, drainage systems, toll gates, culverts, underpasses, and service roads. Collector Prathap specifically highlighted the need for efficient rainwater drainage near overbridges to prevent skidding accidents caused by stagnant water.

Historical Background

For years, the Vadasery to Kaliyakkavilai stretch has been neglected. The State Highways Department has previously cited low fund allocations as the reason for being unable to perform anything beyond basic patch-up work. The transition from a poorly maintained 2-lane road to a modern 4-lane highway is expected to drastically reduce travel time and accident rates in the region.

Did You Know?: The total investment for this massive infrastructure project is estimated at ₹1,041.30 crore.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the primary cause of the highway delay?
Answer: Delays were primarily caused by land acquisition issues and various legal hurdles within the Tamil Nadu segment.

2. How will the Collector ensure the deadline is met?
Answer: The Collector has ordered subordinates to coordinate with NHAI to ensure the free flow of construction materials like sand and blue metal.