Wed Jan 01 13:47:50 UTC 2025: ## Kollam-Theni National Highway Expansion Approved, PMGSY Guidelines Questioned

**KOLLAM, January 1, 2025** – The alignment for the expansion of the Kollam-Theni National Highway (NH 183) has been finalized, paving the way for its conversion into a four-lane road. The project will not include a greenfield bypass, and land acquisition notices are expected within three weeks. MP N. K. Premachandran expressed optimism that with expedited land acquisition, the project could secure funding this year.

However, the meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) also raised concerns about the suitability of the new Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) guidelines for Kollam district’s road development needs. The committee decided to request both central and state governments to reconsider these guidelines due to insufficient funding for major road projects.

Further issues discussed included delays in providing houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), unutilized funds under the Swachh Bharat Mission due to project submission delays, and a significant backlog in financial assistance under the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS). The committee urged the central government to release outstanding NFBS funds urgently. The meeting reviewed a total of 40 centrally funded schemes implemented in the district and emphasized the need for timely spending to ensure effective development.

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