Move comes after the earlier agency, appointed in 2016, failed to complete the assigned work within the stipulated timeframe. The new consultancy will be given a definite timeline to complete the project, ensuring no indefinite delays, says Kottayam MP
In a major boost to the National Highway (NH) 183 development project, which is expected to play a key role in the overall growth of the central Travancore region, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will soon appoint a new consultancy to widen and upgrade the stretch from Chengannur to Mundakayam via Kottayam.
In a major boost to the National Highway (NH) 183 development project, which is expected to play a key role in the overall growth of the central Travancore region, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will soon appoint a new consultancy to widen and upgrade the stretch from Chengannur to Mundakayam via Kottayam.
Confirming the move, Kottayam MP Francis George said here on Saturday that the information was conveyed to him by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during a meeting on the progress of the new bypass construction starting from Mulankuzha in Kottayam. Previously, the National Highway division had planned to complete the project in three sections: Chengannur to Kottayam town, Kottayam town to Chenkalpally, and Chenkalpally to Mundakayam.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced plans to appoint a new consultancy firm to fast-track the long-pending expansion of National Highway 183, which connects key regions in central Kerala including Chengannur and Mundakayam. The move aims to revive the stalled four-lane development project and ensure timely completion under a structured timeline. The NH-183 expansion is considered crucial for improving regional connectivity, enhancing road safety, and boosting economic activity.
Officials stated that the earlier consultancy, appointed several years ago to prepare design work and surveys, failed to complete the required tasks within the stipulated timeframe, leading to significant delays in the project’s progress. The new firm will be responsible for re-evaluating previous work, conducting fresh surveys where required, and preparing a comprehensive design blueprint for the highway’s widening. This step is expected to bring greater accountability and momentum to the project.
The NH-183 corridor has long been identified for expansion due to its strategic importance in linking interior towns of Kerala and facilitating smoother traffic flow between Chengannur, Mundakayam, and surrounding regions. Improved road infrastructure is expected to support local trade, enhance freight movement, and reduce travel time for residents, commuters, and tourists.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over delays in national highway projects across Kerala, with repeated calls for faster execution while maintaining technical standards. Appointing a new consultancy with a clear timeline is viewed as a practical step toward overcoming planning bottlenecks and ensuring quality implementation.
Infrastructure experts and local stakeholders have welcomed the move, expressing hope that faster progress on NH-183 will significantly improve transportation and regional development in central Kerala. The upcoming phase will focus on the approval of detailed project reports, followed by phased construction once funding and statutory clearances are in place.