Ministry approves widening of NH 183, focus on bypass construction
The road will undergo enhancements, including grading, removal of black spots, and straightening sharp curves. The planned road will be 16 meters wide, with a 12-meter-wide section being tarred. This tarring will encompass a 7-meter two-lane carriageway, flanked by 2.5-meter-wide paved shoulders and a 2-meter-wide utility duct and footpath on both sides. The alignment ensures a consistent 16-meter width throughout, with plans to widen the road symmetrically. The meeting, attended by MoRTH officials, emphasised augmenting road safety and driver convenience. However, concerns were raised by the MP regarding the omission of suggestions put forth by local representatives at a meeting chaired by the District Collector. The MP opposed the proposal to initiate development from Ottakkal Junction in Kadavur, advocating instead for commencing the project from Kollam High School Junction. He suggested constructing a bypass through uninhabited areas as a permanent solution to avoid land acquisition in populated regions. MoRTH's Kerala head, BT Sridhara, assured that the suggestion to start construction from High School Junction would be considered in the detailed project report. Additionally, the proposal for a bypass construction in the second phase will be submitted for approval.