Widening of NH 183 to gain momentum

The newly appointed consultancy by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for the widening and modernization of the Chengannur–Mundakkayam stretch of National Highway 183 will commence its study in January

K. Francis George, MP, said Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari confirmed this during discussions on addressing the severe traffic congestion on KK Road and MC Road in Kottayam. The consultancy will also study the proposed new bypass starting from Mulankuzha.

The study will be conducted in three phases with first phase from Chengannur to Aida Junction in Kottayam, the second phase from Aida Junction to Chengal Church on K K Road and the third phase from Chengal Church to Mundakayam.

Given the congestion in the section from Aida Junction to Chengal Church and the challenges of road widening in places including Kottayam town, the study will also include an assessment of a proposed bypass from Mulankuzha in Nattakam and ending at Mannathipara.

According to the MP, the Minister has assured that a time limit will be set for the newly appointed consultancy to complete the work.

Earlier in August this year, the NHAI had terminated a previous consultancy due to delays in completing the study and assigned a new agency to conduct the study. The previous consultancy only conducted survey activities and developed plans for the second phase, leaving the first and third phases unaddressed. Tender procedures were also initiated to appoint a new consultancy to conduct the survey for the first and third parts. Cancelling all these decisions, a single consultancy was assigned to complete the proceedings for the entire stretch.

Meanwhile, the MP has informed that Mr. Gadkari also spoke about the plans by the Central Surface Transport Department to conduct study for the construction of a new elevated highway connecting Kottayam to Thripunithura via Kumarakom and Vaikom by linking National Highways 183 and 66 .

The proposed alignment of the highway begins at Mulankuzha in Kottayam and will end at the Ernakulam bypass in Thripunithura.