In a major infrastructure upgrade, administrative and technical sanctions have been granted for the development of National Highway-183, N.K. Premachandran, MP, has said. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways approved the ambitious project following recommendations from the Financial Standing Committee, clearing the way for a total investment of ₹1,663.15 crore. The development will cover a 54.37-km stretch extending from the Kadavoor Bypass Junction in Kollam to Anjilimoodu near Chengannur.The massive financial allocation breaks down into specific components to ensure comprehensive development. A budget of ₹689.20 crore is earmarked purely for civil works, while the critical phase of acquiring land receives ₹72.24 crore and an additional ₹259.40 crore allocation. Dismantling existing structures and buildings along the route will utilise ₹394.19 crore, with the remaining funds accounting for future maintenance and mandatory statutory expenses including GST. Executed under the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) model, the project averages an investment of ₹30.59 crore per km.The project aims for a swift 24-month completion timeline with a structured phased spending model spanning multiple financial years. The Ministry has authorised the expenditure of up to 50% of the total budget, amounting to ₹821.41 crore, during the 2026-27 financial year, escalating to 70% or ₹1149.97 crore in 2027-28, and reaching the full 100% target of ₹1642.82 crore by 2028-29. Long-term maintenance funding is securely mapped out past the initial completion, with allocations of ₹4.07 crore for 2030-31, ₹8.13 crore for 2031-32, ₹12.20 crore for 2032-33, and the final ₹20.33 crore in 2033-34.The highway will be a 20-meter wide, four-lane stretch featuring paved shoulders. The engineering blueprint also has three major bridges, six minor bridges, 103 culverts, a railway overbridge, and two vehicular underpasses. Passenger and drainage infrastructure are also receiving a major boost with the construction of 48 bus stands and 88.81 kilometers of roadside drainage systems. The entire 54-kilometer stretch will feature advanced signage, solar LED blinkers, reinforced cement concrete New Jersey crash barriers, medium mast lighting, and high-mast lighting installations at key points.To ensure seamless traffic flow, the project will simultaneously upgrade 16 major and 18 minor intersections. The major intersections designated for massive expansion include Kollam Bypass, Prakkulam, Mukkada, Potayimukku Pereyam, Kundara Chittumala, Bharanikavu (two spots), Chakkuvalli, Charummoodu, Kottamukku, Nallumukku, Mankuzhy, Iravankara, Mavelikara, Ponnukara, and Anjilimoodu. Meanwhile, smaller junctions like Thannikkamukku, Kundara Alind Ground Chittumala, Moonnumukku, Kadappuzha, Punnamoodu, Ookkanmukku, Thekkemuri Sooranad, Kannamam, Aanayadi, Vayyankara, Chavadi, Gurunathankulangara, Chunakkara, Nalumukku, Chirayil, Kodukulanji, and Panippurapadi will also undergo modernisation. Published - June 10, 2026 07:09 pm IST