Matters concerning national highways, from A to Z, fall under NHAI jurisdiction: Pinarayi

Kollam: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has asserted that the state government and the Public Works Department (PWD) have no role in the construction of National Highways. Speaking at a public gathering in Kollam marking the fourth anniversary of the second Pinarayi government, the Chief Minister stated that all matters concerning the highways, “from A to Z”, fall under the jurisdiction of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The remarks came in response to criticism from opposition parties following reports of damage on stretches of the under-construction highway. The Chief Minister emphasised that the NHAI is solely responsible for addressing such issues and carrying the project forward.

"All aspects of National Highway construction are handled by the National Highways Authority. They have their own dedicated mechanisms and complete control. The Kerala government and the PWD have no involvement whatsoever. Therefore, the Centre is managing all related matters," said Mr Vijayan. He added that criticisms from some quarters were baseless and stemmed from a desire to make politically motivated statements.

Acknowledging that the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) does bear a certain level of responsibility, Mr Vijayan noted that had the LDF not come to power in 2016, the highway development would not have progressed at all.

Recalling the events of the previous administration, the Chief Minister said, “The former UDF government failed to acquire even an inch of land. The NHAI had to shut down its office and leave the state. It was only after we came to power that we invited them back and resumed talks. Unfortunately, we had to pay the price for the mismanagement of the previous government.”

The Kerala CM explained that the construction of National Highways is entirely funded and executed by the NHAI, with no financial burden on the state apart from land acquisition. “The only role of the state is to acquire the required land. The NHAI even provides the necessary funds for that. However, the former government did not fulfil that responsibility,” he added.

He went on to detail how land acquisition issues initially stalled progress, particularly due to the state’s high land value and the previous administration’s reluctance to bear any costs. Eventually, the current government reached a consensus to bear 25% of the land acquisition cost to ensure the project moved forward.

“Today, that vision has become reality,” the Chief Minister concluded, reaffirming the government’s commitment to facilitating key infrastructure development for Kerala’s future.