Centre plans Kozhikode-Palakkad Highway as high-speed corridor, says Minister Riyas

Thiruvananthapuram: The Department of Road Transport and Highways has confirmed that the greenfield highway connecting Kozhikode, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts will be developed as a high-speed corridor, said Minister P A Mohammed Riyas in the Kerala Assembly. This major development aims to enhance travel efficiency and improve safety along the 120.845 km route.

Minister Riyas informed the Assembly on Tuesday that a considerable portion of land for the highway has already been acquired. Of the total 569.3 hectares required, 542 hectares have been successfully acquired for the project. This greenfield highway will play a key role in improving transportation across the region.

Safety, traffic considerations

As part of the project, the design of the highway has been carefully planned to ensure both passenger safety and smooth traffic flow. Originally, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) proposed 12 access points along the corridor. However, based on new traffic studies, the NHAI has decided to reduce the number of access points to further enhance safety and traffic management.

The NHAI is currently reviewing changes to the detailed project document to align with these updated safety and traffic considerations. Minister Riyas mentioned that the government would continue to address any concerns related to these restrictions, ensuring that the project meets the needs of the people while maintaining high safety standards.