Bharatmala Project in Kerala

The Bharatmala Project in Kerala, initiated by the Central government in 2017, represents a transformational approach to highway development in India, with a focus on improving connectivity across economic corridors, border regions, and remote areas.

This ambitious project intends to reduce travel time, improve logistics efficiency, and facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people.

Kerala stands to benefit considerably from this endeavor, as the Bharatmala project aims to improve the current road infrastructure, boost economic growth, and connect vital areas more effectively, particularly through the construction of the Thiruvananthapuram-Angamaly Greenfield Highway, which will enhance access between major cities and promote regional development.

Table of Contents

Bharatmala Project: An Overview

The Bharatmala Project, also known as the "India garland project," is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency of India's transportation system. The project focuses on improving road quality, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting international trade through the construction of new roads, economic corridors, and border roads.

Additionally, it involves the development of essential infrastructure such as tunnels, bridges, and flyovers. With about 76% of Phase I awarded for construction and approximately 15,549 km completed as of December 2023, this project is set to significantly impact connectivity in India, contributing to the longest national highways in India and facilitating smoother movement of goods and people.

Bharatmala Project: Key Details

What is the Bharatmala Project in Kerala?

The Bharatmala Project in Kerala is part of a broader national initiative aimed at enhancing road connectivity across the country. Launched on July 31, 2015, the project focuses on developing a comprehensive network of highways and roads to facilitate smoother transportation and promote economic growth.

Bharatmala Project in Kerala: Key Infrastructure Developments

• Kozhikode-Palakkad National Highway: Incorporating a controlled-access system for better traffic management.

• Thiruvananthapuram-Angamaly Greenfield Highway: A significant 205-km project developed through public-private partnerships.

• Kochi-Munnar Theni Highway: Expanding connectivity with a four-lane road.

• Ernakulam-Kundannur Angamaly-Kundannur Bypass: A six-lane bypass to alleviate congestion.

• Kollam-Shenkottai Greenfield Highway: A new route aimed at improving connectivity in the region.

• NH-66 Widening: Upgrading the existing highway to a six-lane format to ease traffic flow around Kochi.

Objectives of the Bharatmala Project in Kerala

• Infrastructure Development: The Bharatmala Project aims to enhance Kerala's road network through the construction and upgrade of highways, bridges, and tunnels, facilitating improved transportation infrastructure across the state.

• Economic Connectivity: By establishing high-speed corridors and connecting key economic zones, the project promotes better access to markets, leading to increased trade opportunities and economic growth in Kerala.

• Logistics Efficiency: The initiative is designed to streamline the movement of goods, reduce logistics costs, and improve supply chain efficiency, which is vital for businesses and exporters in the region.

• Road Safety: Incorporating modern safety measures in road design and construction, the project aims to enhance the safety of all road users, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and promoting safer travel.

Bharatmala Project Route Map in Kerala

The Bharatmala Project Route Map illustrates the extensive network of highways being developed across the country, significantly enhancing connectivity and logistics efficiency as part of the broader road map of India for sustainable economic growth.

Bharatmala Project Development Phases in Kerala

The Bharatmala project in Kerala comprises two phases, with Phase 1 focusing on significant road improvements such as:

• The 4-laning of the Palakkad to Kozhikode section of NH-966.
• The construction of a Greenfield Road from Kochi to the KL/TN border along NH-85.
• The expansion of the Thiruvananthapuram-Angamaly Greenfield Highway.

The second phase of the Bharatmala project includes several significant road development initiatives in Kerala aimed at improving connectivity and enhancing transportation efficiency. The planned projects are as follows:

• Alappuzha (NH 47) to Changanassery-Vazhoor-14th Mile (NH 220): A 50 km stretch to enhance accessibility in the region.
• Kayamkulam (NH 47) to Tiruvalla Junction (NH 183): A 23 km road aimed at improving traffic flow.
• Junction near Vijayapuram (NH 183) to Oonnukal Junction (NH 85): A 45 km route designed to facilitate better connectivity between major highways.
• Kalpetta Junction (NH 766) to Mananthavady: A 50 km stretch to boost access to tourist destinations.
• Extension of NH 183A - Titanium Chavara (NH 66): A 17 km expansion to enhance connectivity along the coastline.
• Combining NH 183A-Pampa-Elavunkal near Laha: A 21.6 km route to improve access to religious and tourist sites.
• Thiruvananthapuram to Thenmala: A 72 km route enhancing travel to eco-tourism locations.
• Hosdurg-Panathur-Bhagamandala-Madikeri: A 57-km stretch that connects Kerala with Karnataka.
• Cherkala to Kallidukka: A 28 km road passing through Kerala to enhance regional connectivity.
• Vadakkenchery to Pollachi: A route that will facilitate better movement of goods and people.
• Vizhinjam-Karamana-Kaliyikkavila road: A crucial link aimed at improving port connectivity.

These projects reflect the government's commitment to developing a robust road network in Kerala, promoting economic growth and accessibility throughout the state.

Funding of the Bharatmala Project in Kerala

The Bharatmala Pariyojana receives money from a variety of sources, to establish a strong national highway system. Key sources include the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund, remittances, and fiscal support, as well as national highway monetization efforts.

Additional funding comes from internal and extra-budgetary sources, as well as private sector contributions. The state of Kerala has agreed to provide a percentage of the land expenses for specific projects, demonstrating the collaborative character of the initiative to improve regional road connectivity.

Bharatmala Project in Kerala: Before and After

Before the Project: Before the implementation of the Bharatmala project, Kerala faced significant challenges in road connectivity, affecting the movement of goods and people. The existing infrastructure was often inadequate, leading to travel times longer and higher logistics costs. Many remote areas, especially in border regions, lacked efficient access to major highways, limiting socio-economic opportunities.

After the Project: As the Bharatmala project progresses, it is expected to transform the road landscape in Kerala. With a total project length of 1,126 km, and 172 km already completed as of February 2024, the initiative aims to enhance logistics efficiency and connectivity significantly. It promises to reduce travel times by 40-50% in selected economic nodes, creating new socio-economic opportunities and boosting trade and tourism. One notable aspect is the Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod Coastal Highway, a 625 km highway that will run parallel to the Arabian Sea, further improving connectivity between major districts.

Conclusion

The Bharatmala Project represents a transformative step in India's transportation landscape, with the Thiruvananthapuram-Angamaly Greenfield Highway being a key component of this ambitious initiative. By enhancing road infrastructure and connectivity, the project aims to boost economic growth, improve logistics efficiency, and create job opportunities across the region. As it progresses, the Bharatmala project is set to benefit significantly both urban and rural areas, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous India.