Keralam Chief Minister VD Satheesan (file photo)
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Keralam has sought suitable relaxation in the Tamil Nadu government’s three-month ban on the transportation of rough stones and stone aggregates to ensure smooth and timely completion of ongoing National Highway and other major infrastructure projects in the State.In a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan said Keralam has limited availability of suitable stone aggregates for large-scale infrastructure works. A substantial portion of the materials required for the ongoing National Highway projects is sourced from the neighbouring Tamil Nadu districts of Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanyakumari. These districts are the principal suppliers of stone aggregates for several National Highway projects in Keralam and that the restrictions on inter-state transportation have already affected project execution.immense significanceAccording to the Chief Minister, the National Highway projects are of immense significance to the southern region as they are expected to strengthen regional connectivity, improve logistics efficiency, and facilitate trade and tourism. They will also provide seamless connectivity to Vizhinjam International Seaport and the International Container Transshipment Terminal at Vallarpadam.While appreciating the Tamil Nadu government’s objective of ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources, Satheesan urged to adopt a balanced approach that accommodates the legitimate requirements of nationally important infrastructure projects without compromising its policy objectives.Such a measure, he said, would greatly assist in ensuring the timely completion of National Highway and other key infrastructure projects and further reinforce the spirit of cooperation that has long characterised the relationship between the two neighbouring States.Published on July 28, 2026
