PAC lifts NHAI over slow pace of NH work in Kerala

KC Venugopal, MP, expressed strong displeasure over the slow pace of construction of the National Highway in several stretches in Kerala and sought urgent intervention to speed up the work.

Mr Venugopal was brought to the notice of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting on Wednesday and informed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials that the work would be completed by March 2027.

He also directed NHAI to coordinate with Tamil Nadu to resolve restrictions imposed by the neighboring state on transportation of construction materials required for highway projects.

Mr. Venugopal criticized the non-addressing of complaints raised by commuters about the toll operation. Officials of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways informed the PAC that feedback and complaints will be collected through the ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ app and appropriate action will be taken.

The PAC also reviewed the delay in carrying out a safety audit of national highway sections, despite its recommendation last year after the Kuriad accident. The audit aimed to identify design flaws and accident-prone locations, with the commission expressing concern over the delay and stressing that passenger safety cannot be compromised.

A commission formed for the purpose has identified 328 places across Kerala for security checks. Inspections were completed at 170 locations. In the sections where safety deficiencies were found, the construction of eight km of viaducts was started. NHAI officials assured the PAC that the issues at the remaining locations would also be addressed.

Inspection reports will be reviewed within two months and further steps will be finalized thereafter. Currently, a proposal for the construction of viaducts with a length of 22 km in 73 locations is being considered.

NHAI officials also informed the committee that seven meter wide service roads could be constructed if the state government acquires and hands over the required land.

Mr. Venugopal, who chairs the PAC, stressed the need for better coordination between the NHAI and the state government to resolve bottlenecks and speed up construction of highways. He directed the Chief Secretary to ensure the necessary intervention of the State Government.

He also raised the issue of toll collection at Nattika, questioning its continuation due to the poor condition of the road. CN Singh, joint secretary in the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, said the option of suspending toll collection could be explored if the road is found to be in poor condition.

Mr. Venugopal emphasized that passenger safety, road quality and timely resolution of toll related complaints must be given equal priority along with completion of National Highways development works.

Published – November 4, 2026 10:02 PM IST