Thiruvananthapuram, October 7, 2025: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated the process of preparing detailed project reports (DPRs) for upgrading five additional roads in Kerala to national highway standards, according to an official statement by transport minister PA Muhammad Riyas. The roads identified for development include Ramanattukara – Kozhikode Airport Road, Kannur Airport Road (Chovva – Mattannur), Kodungallur – Angamaly, and Vaippin – Matsyafed Tourist Office Road.

Additionally, a project report is being prepared for the expansion of an 11.6-kilometer section of the Kochi – Madurai National Highway, the minister added.

The NHAI has also begun tendering procedures to select an agency for drafting these DPRs, and the minister said the initiative follows a formal request from the Kerala state government, which has been pushing for enhanced connectivity through national highway upgrades.

During a meeting with the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan submitted a detailed proposal urging the elevation of more state roads to national highway status.

Among the proposed developments, the 12-kilometer Ramanattukara – Kozhikode Airport Road and the 20-kilometer Kodungallur – Angamaly (Western Ernakulam Bypass) Road are set to be transformed into four-lane highways.

Meanwhile, the 30-kilometer Kannur Airport Road and the 13-kilometer Vaippin – Matsyafed Road will be upgraded to two-lane roads with paved shoulders. Similar upgrades are planned for NH-85, which will also feature a two-lane paved shoulder design.

Minister Riyas emphasised the state’s commitment to improving connectivity and infrastructure, stating that these developments will significantly boost accessibility and economic growth in the region.