Fri May 16 15:39:55 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The Kerala government has inaugurated over 50 roads constructed by the Public Works Department (PWD) across various districts, including 12 smart roads in Thiruvananthapuram city developed under the Smart City project. Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas announced that the widening of NH-66 into a six-lane facility will be completed by December 2025. He also highlighted progress on the Hill Highway and Coastal Highway projects. The newly constructed roads utilize Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete (BM and BC) technology, with the goal of developing 65% of Kerala’s roads using this technology by 2026. Education Minister V. Sivankutty emphasized the roads’ role in connecting people and speeding up development. The smart roads feature underground utility ducts, tiled footpaths, rebuilt sewerage lines, cycle tracks, and special repair chambers.
**News Article:**
**Kerala Unveils New Smart Roads, Promises Completion of National Highway Widening by Year-End**
**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 16, 2025** – Kerala celebrated the inauguration of over 50 newly constructed roads across the state on Friday, including a dozen “smart roads” in the capital city. The ambitious infrastructure projects aim to modernize Kerala’s transportation network and enhance connectivity.
Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas announced that the long-awaited widening of National Highway (NH)-66, connecting Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, into a six-lane highway is slated for completion by December 2025.
“We are committed to improving infrastructure across Kerala,” stated Minister Riyas during the inauguration ceremony held at Manaveeyam Veedhi. He also provided updates on the Hill Highway project, noting that 166 km of the proposed 1,166 km route are now complete, with a further 315 km currently under construction. Additionally, three sections of the Coastal Highway project have been finalized.
The newly inaugurated roads, including the Smart City roads, have been built using modern Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete (BM and BC) technology. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has developed 15,000 km of roads using this technology in the last three and a half years, with plans to develop 65% of the roads in Kerala using BM and BC technology by 2026.
The “smart roads,” developed by the Kerala Road Fund Board, boast advanced features such as underground ducts for utilities, tiled footpaths, rebuilt sewerage lines, cycle tracks, and innovative repair chambers designed to minimize disruption during maintenance.
Education Minister V. Sivankutty formally inaugurated the roads, emphasizing their importance in facilitating connectivity and accelerating development across the state. “These roads are not just pathways, but links that connect people and accelerate progress,” he said.
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