The National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) newly appointed consultancy for the widening and upgrading of the Chengannur–Mundakkayam National Highway 183 section will begin its study in January.
MP K. Francis George said this was confirmed by Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari during discussions on solving severe traffic jams on KK Road and MC Road in Kottayam. The consultancy will also study the proposed new bypass starting from Mulankuzha.
The study will be done in three phases with the first phase from Chengannur to Aida Junction in Kottayam, the second phase from Aida Junction to Chengal Church on KK Road and the third phase from Chengal Church to Mundakayam.
Due to congestion in the stretch from Aida Junction to Chengal Church and road widening issues in places including Kottayam city, the study will also include assessment of the proposed bypass from Mulankuzha in Nattakam and ending at Mannathipara.
According to the MP, the Minister assured that the newly appointed advisor will be given a deadline to complete the work.
In early August this year, NHAI terminated the previous consultancy due to delay in completing the study and commissioned a new agency to conduct the study. The previous consultancy only carried out exploratory activities and developed plans for the second phase, leaving the first and third phases unresolved. Tenders have also been launched for the appointment of a new consulting company to carry out the survey for the first and third parts. One consulting company was entrusted with the cancellation of all these decisions, which completed the procedure for the entire section.
Meanwhile, the MP informed that Mr. Gadkari also spoke about the Central Surface Transport Department’s plans to conduct a study to construct a new elevated highway connecting Kottayam to Thripunithura via Kumarakom and Vaikom by connecting National Highways 183 and 66.
The proposed highway route starts from Mulankuzha in Kottayam and ends at Ernakulam bypass in Thripunithura.
Published – 20 Dec 2025 20:29 IST
