Administrative and technical sanctions granted for NH-183 development project in Kerala

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In a major infrastructure upgrade, administrative and technical sanctions have been granted for the development of National Highway-183, N.K. Premachandran, MP, has said. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways approved the ambitious project following recommendations from the Financial Standing Committee, clearing the way for a total investment of ₹1,663.15 crore. The development will cover a 54.37-km stretch extending from the Kadavoor Bypass Junction in Kollam to Anjilimoodu near Chengannur.

The massive financial allocation breaks down into specific components to ensure comprehensive development. A budget of ₹689.20 crore is earmarked purely for civil works, while the critical phase of acquiring land receives ₹72.24 crore and an additional ₹259.40 crore allocation. Dismantling existing structures and buildings along the route will utilise ₹394.19 crore, with the remaining funds accounting for future maintenance and mandatory statutory expenses including GST. Executed under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model, the project averages an investment of ₹30.59 crore per km.

The project aims for a swift 24-month completion timeline with a structured phased spending model spanning multiple financial years. The Ministry has authorised the expenditure of up to 50% of the total budget, amounting to ₹821.41 crore, during the 2026-27 financial year, escalating to 70% or ₹1149.97 crore in 2027-28, and reaching the full 100% target of ₹1642.82 crore by 2028-29. Long-term maintenance funding is securely mapped out past the initial completion, with allocations of ₹4.07 crore for 2030-31, ₹8.13 crore for 2031-32, ₹12.20 crore for 2032-33, and the final ₹20.33 crore in 2033-34.

The highway will be a 20-meter wide, four-lane stretch featuring paved shoulders. The engineering blueprint also has three major bridges, six minor bridges, 103 culverts, a railway overbridge, and two vehicular underpasses. Passenger and drainage infrastructure are also receiving a major