Presented by Finance Minister KN Balagopal on Thursday, the state budget has earmarked substantial funds for various infrastructure projects in Kerala for transport infrastructure projects. An amount of ₹ 5,217 crore has been earmarked through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) for the first phase of the MC road development project.
A four-lane, 24 meter wide MC road reconstruction project is underway from Thiruvananthapuram to Angamaly through KIIFB. The first phase will see construction of bypasses at Kilimanoor, Nilamel, Chadayamangalam, Ayoor, Pandalam and Chengannur and construction of various junctions.
The state government is further planning to conduct a feasibility study for a tunnel road from Kattappana to Theni to resolve the difficulties faced by traffic on the highway in the hills. Approximately 20 kilometers could be saved by building a tunnel road in the section. An amount of ₹10 crore has been earmarked for the feasibility study of the project.
Development of ports
An amount of ₹1,871.53 crore has been earmarked for the transport sector, which includes ₹98.08 crore for the development of ports, lighthouses and shipping. Apart from this, the budget allocated an amount of ₹ 1,182.43 crore for the roads and bridges sector of the public works department.
The drive to integrate public transport in Kochi by reviving the existing transport system, including the Kochi Metro and bus services, was pushed through in the budget with an allocation of ₹79.03 crore. An amount of ₹20 crore was also earmarked for the upgradation of existing fishing harbors and the construction of sea bridges and roads.
As part of the development of the Vizhinjam International Seaport, the budget allocated ₹17 crore for industrial and logistics infrastructure requirements. In addition, ₹4 million was allocated for the acquisition of 50 acres of land in Kuttichalin Thiruvananthapuram and infrastructure development. A plan will be prepared to invest ₹ 1,000 crore in this project by taking a loan through KINFRA with a guarantee for which an amount of ₹ 100 crore has been earmarked in the budget.
Published – 29 Jan 2026 20:24 IST
