After months of uncertainty, National Highway development in Kottayam district has gained significant momentum, with authorities initiating steps to start the survey for the NH-183 stretch between Kottayam and Pampady.According to K. Francis George, Lok Sabha member from Kottayam, a decision to kick-start the survey and appoint a special survey team to assist the existing officials in expediting the process was made during a meeting convened by District Collector Chetan Kumar Meena. The survey for the renovation of the section of NH-183 from Kottayam Aida Junction to Mannathipara near Kothala is expected to be completed within a month.“The measurement process will be carried out after issuing notices to landowners on both sides of the road across five villages, in accordance with the Survey Act. Once the boundary of the road is measured and determined, the National Highways Department will install boundary stones,” he said.The Central government has allocated ₹.150 crore for the modernisation of NH-183 from Kottayam to Mannathipara several months ago. However, significant delays and an incomplete survey process have posed a risk of the funds lapsing. It is in this context that the meeting was held to expedite the process.The project proposes to upgrade the section from Aida Junction in Kottayam town to Mannathipara near Kothala, widening the road to 10 metres in accordance with modern standards. “Currently, the road is tarred at a width of six metres. The project will not only involve widening and resurfacing the road but also renovating dilapidated culverts and expanding others. Additionally, protective walls will be constructed where necessary,” he added.Simultaneously, NHAI has already initiated proceedings for widening the entire stretch from Chengannur to Mundakayam, and a study will be conducted to modernise the section. The study will be carried out in three phases: the first phase from Chengannur to Aida Junction in Kottayam (chainage 60 to 106.700), the second phase from Aida Junction to Chengal Church on KK Road (chainage 106.700 to 137), and the third phase from Chengal Church to Mundakayam (chainage 137 to 160).Given the congestion in the Aida Junction–Chengal Church stretch and the challenges of road widening in areas including Kottayam town, the study will also assess a proposed bypass from Mulankuzha in Nattakam ending at Mannathipara.Meanwhile, Mavelikkara Lok Sabha member Kodikunnil Suresh has raised strong objections to a proposal to reduce the highway’s width from 24 metres to 20 metres between Kollam bypass junction and Chengannur. “When a four-lane highway is arranged within a 20-metre width, each lane requires 3.5 metres, amounting to 14 metres for the four lanes alone. The central median or crash barrier would require about 1 metre, while the shoulders and footpaths on either side would take up approximately 2 metres, and drainage and utility corridors would need around 3 metres. This would leave virtually no space for future expansion, service roads, or additional safety zones,” he pointed out.The development of NH-183 has entered a crucial phase following administrative approval of ₹1,663.15 crore. Published - May 26, 2026 07:07 pm IST