Kerala’s national highways, Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), conducted a comprehensive inspection of critical infrastructure in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts.
The review focused on areas identified as structurally sensitive and prone to drainage complications, aiming to address potential vulnerabilities and ensure long-term sustainability. The inspection encompassed key locations such as Enchakkal, Kazhakuttom, Chembakamangalam, Kottayam, and Mevaram. These sites are characterized by vertical high-cut sections and complex drainage systems, necessitating immediate evaluation of their stability and water flow management. Accompanied by technical experts from the concessionaire, Independent Engineer, Project Director of Thiruvananthapuram, and NHAI Regional Officer, Kerala, Yadav assessed the current state of these critical stretches.
In addition to the on-site inspection, Chairman Yadav is scheduled to meet with Kerala’s Chief Secretary to discuss and tackle systemic bottlenecks in National Highway development. The meeting aims to enhance coordination between agencies and plan strategic interventions for the seamless execution of current and future projects. This collaborative approach is expected to expedite decision-making processes and resolve issues hindering progress.
NHAI’s commitment to developing sustainable and environmentally friendly national highways is evident in its ongoing initiatives. The authority has been actively promoting the use of waste materials such as plastic waste, fly ash, phosphor-gypsum, and steel slag in construction, contributing to a circular economy. Furthermore, over 35 million plants have been planted along national highways in the last five years, with about 64,000 trees transplanted and approximately 24.5 million trees geotagged through NHAI’s Harit Path GPS-based application. Monitoring of tree plantations is also conducted through drone videography, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav’s inspection underscores NHAI’s proactive approach to addressing infrastructure challenges in Kerala. By focusing on structural integrity and water management, the authority aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of national highways, contributing to the state’s economic growth and development. The upcoming discussions with Kerala’s Chief Secretary are expected to pave the way for streamlined processes and collaborative efforts in advancing highway projects.
Also Read: Dwarka Expressway Tunnel Trial Run Enhances Connectivity
