Sun May 18 13:54:12 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Land acquisition notifications have been issued for the development of the Kollam–Kumily stretch of National Highway 183 in Kerala, India. The project, crucial for Central Travancore’s development, is awaiting financial clearance for its first phase (Kollam bypass to Anjilimoodu). This phase includes widening the highway to 24 meters, constructing a four-lane road, and building bridges and underpasses. Parallel highway projects are also underway, including upgrading the Main Central Road and a new highway connecting Karunagappally to Mundakayam. Additionally, new national highway corridors linking Kayamkulam to Munnar, Alappuzha to Kodaikanal, and Kayamkulam to Punalur are being considered.
**News Article:**
**Kollam-Kumily Highway Project Gathers Momentum with Land Acquisition Notices**
**KOTTAYAM, INDIA – May 18, 2025** – Development plans for the Kollam–Kumily stretch of National Highway 183 are advancing, with land acquisition notifications issued for the vital project aimed at boosting the Central Travancore region. Mavelikara MP Kodikunnil Suresh confirmed the issuance of two notifications for acquiring land to widen the first phase of the highway to 24 meters.
The initial phase, covering 54 kilometers from the Kollam bypass to Anjilimoodu near Chengannur, is awaiting financial clearance. This phase will involve constructing a four-lane road with a 15-meter carriageway, a 1.5-meter central divider, and footpaths, along with utility ducts. The estimated cost for this initial stage is ₹2,300 crore.
“Consultation meetings ahead of construction have already been completed,” stated Suresh. “As soon as financial clearance is granted, a notification will be issued to enable land surveys, inspections and valuation, followed by the land acquisition process.” A Mumbai-based agency has been appointed as the project consultant.
Alongside the Kollam-Kumily project, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced work on upgrading the Main Central Road from Anjilimoodu to Kottayam, with a ₹36 crore investment. Further financial allocations have been released for developing the Kottayam–Ponkunnam and Ponkunnam–Kanjirappally sections of the highway.
A parallel highway project connecting Karunagappally to Mundakayam is also progressing, with a feasibility study underway for the 116.8-km route that traverses the high-range areas of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam. Officials noted that this new highway alignment would bypass major towns and populated areas, although land acquisition could be challenging due to its passage through plantations and forest fringes.
Additional plans are being considered for new national highway corridors connecting Kayamkulam to Munnar, Alappuzha to Kodaikanal, and Kayamkulam to Punalur, potentially transforming the transportation infrastructure of the region.
First Piper 