New proposal to widen the NH in Kottayam

Amid efforts to fast-track the much-delayed development work of National Highway 183 on the Chengannur – Mundakkayam stretch, a new proposal has been submitted to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to widen the stretch from Kottayam town to 12th Mile on K.K. Road.

According to K. Francis George, MP, the project worth ₹150 crore has been proposed to upgrade the section from Aida Junction to Mannathipara in Kottayam, expanding the road to a width of 10 m in accordance with modern standards. Currently, the road is tarred at a width of 6 m. The project will not only involve widening and resurfacing the road, but also renovating dilapidated culverts and expanding others. Additionally, protective walls will be constructed where necessary, he said.

To achieve the proposed width of 10 m, the existing road boundaries must be measured and boundary stones placed. An allocation of ₹13 lakh has been made for this work. Based on the letter given to the District Collector by the National Highways department authorities, direction has been issued to complete the survey process immediately.

Boundary stones

Mr. George further stated that upon completion of the survey and installation of boundary stones, administrative approval will be sought, after which the project will be tendered, and construction will commence.

The NHAI has already started proceedings for widening the entire stretch from Chengannur to Mundakkayam and a study will be conducted to widen and modernise the section. The study will be conducted in three phases with first phase from Chengannur to Aida Junction (chainage 60 to 106.700), the second phase from Aida Junction to Chengal church on K.K. Road (chainage 106.700 to 137), and the third phase from Chengal church to Mundakkayam (chainage 137 to 160).

Given the congestion in the section from Aida Junction to Chengal church and the challenges of road widening in places including Kottayam town, the study will also include an assessment of a proposed bypass from Mulankuzha in Nattakom and ending at Mannathipara.