In a Facebook post, the Mavelikkara MP said the approval covers the 54.37-km stretch from Kadavoor Bypass Junction in Kollam to Anjilimoodu near Chengannur, fulfilling a long-pending demand of people in the central Travancore region, including those in Kunnathur, Charummoodu and Chengannur.
Of the total project cost, Rs 689.20 crore has been allocated for civil works, Rs 331.64 crore for land acquisition and related procedures, and Rs 394.19 crore for building demolition and compensation, he said.
The project will be executed under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model and is slated for completion within 24 months.
Suresh said the stretch would be developed as a four-lane national highway with a width of 20 metres.
“The project provides for three major bridges, six minor bridges, 103 culverts, one railway overbridge and two vehicle underpasses. It also envisages 48 bus bays and a modern drainage network spanning 88.81 km,” he said.
“Safety features such as crash barriers, modern signboards, solar LED blinkers, median mast lights and high-mast lights will also be installed,” he added.The MP said 16 major junctions, such as Kollam Bypass, Mukkada, Perayam, Kundara-Chittumala, Bharanikkavu, Chakkuvalli, Charummoodu, Kottamukku, Nalamukku, Mankamkuzhi, Kollakadavu, Pennukkara and Anjilimoodu, would be upgraded as part of the project.
In addition, 18 smaller junctions would also be modernised.
According to Suresh, the project would significantly reduce travel time and improve freight movement across the Kollam, Kundara, Kunnathur, Bharanikkavu, Charummoodu and Chengannur regions.
“It will open up new opportunities in trade, industry, agriculture and tourism, and provide a major impetus to the central Travancore region,” he said.
Suresh reiterated his demand that the highway should be developed with a width of 24 metres, taking into account existing and future traffic requirements.
The Congress leader said he would once again take up the matter with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and seek the necessary intervention.