Thiruvanthapuram: The Kerala government is preparing to invite a construction contract for the long-awaited coastal highway, stretching 625 km along the state’s coastline from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod.

Originally announced in the 2017 budget, the project was planned to be completed within four years at an estimated cost of Rs 6,500 crore. However, delays in land acquisition and other preparatory work have postponed the project by eight years, potentially doubling the cost.

Officials are currently conducting land valuation, social impact assessments, and other clearances across four to five sections in each district to expedite approvals. The government aims to finalise the contract and commence work before the upcoming assembly elections.

The National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) serves as the consultancy for the project. NATPAC submitted the initial Detailed Project Report (DPR) and estimates to KIIFB in 2018. Construction could not proceed as planned due to land acquisition delays. A revised DPR and updated estimates have now been prepared and are under KIIFB review. Once approved, the contract will be officially invited.

The coastal highway is designed to run parallel to the existing National Highway. In areas where the National Highway is close to the sea, the coastal highway will be integrated into it, such as in Thottappally, Alappuzha district. The new highway will be 14 meters wide, though some coastal stretches currently have insufficient width, which has led to opposition in certain areas, including Thalassery.

The project will connect nine coastal districts: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasaragod, bringing existing coastal roads up to National Highway standards. The government hopes the project will improve connectivity, boost tourism, and strengthen economic development along Kerala’s coastline.