Kozhikode MP flags concerns over key road projects with Gadkari

M.K. Raghavan, MP, met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) to raise issues related to the Kozhikode–Palakkad Greenfield Highway, Kozhikode–Mysore Greenfield Highway, and the Kozhikode Bypass under construction.

During the discussions, the MP put forward a list of public demands, including the construction of underpasses at Pachakkil, Kunimmal Thazham, and Parammal on the Kozhikode Bypass, foot overbridges near Star Care Hospital and Gosala Krishna Temple, and rectification of issues related to the service roads.

He pointed out that the earlier proposed but unconsidered Panathuthazham flyover should be taken up under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund, which would further enhance the prominence of the public roads developed under the City Road Improvement Project.

The MP also raised concerns with the Minister over the reduction in the number of entry and exit points earlier planned for the Kozhikode–Palakkad Greenfield Highway project. He pointed out that insufficient entry and exit points in densely populated areas like Vazhayur and Perumanna would inconvenience residents and hinder the movement of goods and emergency vehicles.

“While the Kozhikode–Salem National Highway 544 will remain a regular national highway, converting the Kozhikode–Palakkad road into a fully controlled-access highway will not benefit the people,” said Mr. Raghavan.

He also voiced concern over the exclusion of the entry point at Vazhayur, stating that it would adversely affect access to the centuries-old Beypore Port, Kinfra Industrial Park, and Calicut University.

Mr. Raghavan also expressed disappointment over the exclusion of the Kozhikode–Mysore Highway project from the Vision 46 project of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

“An alignment for the project had been prepared in consultation with the Kerala Forest department, ensuring minimal impact on forest areas and wildlife. The highway was expected to provide uninterrupted travel between north Kerala and the Mysore–Bangalore route, replacing existing corridors such as NH-766, which faces night-time travel restrictions,” said Mr. Raghavan. He informed Mr. Gadkari that excluding the project from Vision 2047 would hinder the development of north Kerala.