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Updated - November 04, 2026 10:59 pm IST - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

K.C. Venugopal, MP, has expressed strong dissatisfaction over the slow pace of National Highway construction across several stretches in Keralam and sought urgent intervention to expedite the work.

Raising the issue at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting here on Wednesday, Mr. Venugopal was informed by National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials that the works would be completed by March 2027.

He also directed the NHAI to coordinate with Tamil Nadu to resolve restrictions imposed by the neighbouring State on the transportation of construction materials required for the highway projects.

Mr. Venugopal criticised the failure to address complaints raised by commuters regarding toll plaza operations. Officials of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways informed the PAC that feedback and complaints would be collected through the ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ app and appropriate action taken.

The PAC also reviewed the delay in conducting a safety audit of National Highway stretches, despite its recommendation last year following the Kuriad accident. The audit was intended to identify design flaws and accident-prone locations, with the committee expressing concern over the delay and stressing that passenger safety could not be compromised.

A committee constituted for the purpose has identified 328 locations across Keralam for safety inspections. Inspections have been completed at 170 locations. Construction of viaducts spanning eight km has begun in stretches where safety deficiencies were identified. NHAI officials assured the PAC that the issues at the remaining locations would also be addressed.

Reports on the inspections will be reviewed within two months, following which further action will be finalised. A proposal is currently under consideration to construct viaducts covering 22 km across 73 locations.

NHAI officials also informed the committee that seven-metre-wide service roads could be constructed if the State government acquired and handed over the required land.

Mr. Venugopal, who chairs the PAC, stressed the need for better coordination between the NHAI and the State government to resolve bottlenecks and accelerate highway construction. He directed the Chief Secretary to ensure necessary intervention by the State government.

He also raised the issue of toll collection at Nattika, questioning its continuation given the poor condition of the road. C.N. Singh, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, said the possibility of suspending toll collection could be examined if the road was found to be in poor condition.

Mr. Venugopal stressed that passenger safety, road quality and the timely resolution of toll-related complaints must receive equal priority alongside the completion of National Highway development works.

Published - November 04, 2026 10:02 pm IST

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