Syllabus: GS-III
Subject: Economic development
Topic: Infrastructure Development.
Issue: Infrastructure Development.
Context: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announces greenfield corridor and inaugurates national highway projects in Kerala, emphasizing improved connectivity, reduced travel time, and positive impacts on tourism and economic growth.
Synopsis:
Key feature:
- The 121-km NH 966 Kozhikode-Palakkad project at an estimated cost of ₹10,371 crore, reducing travel time between Palakkad and Kozhikode.
- Other major schemes in the corridor project include NH 744 Kollam-Sengottai route, Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road, SH1/NH 183 Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi stretch, Kutta Malappuram Economic Corridor, and NH-544 Angamali-Kundanur stretch.
- Gadkari emphasizes the positive impact of the Mumbai-Kanyakumari corridor, spanning 1,619 km, with 644 km in Kerala at a cost of ₹60,999 crore.
- Another crucial project mentioned is the Tuticorin to Cochin corridor, covering 443 km, with Package 1 of 42 km already completed.
- Gadkari praises the Kerala government, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas for overcoming land acquisition challenges.
- Centre’s commitment to fast-tracking projects, addressing land acquisition challenges, and anticipating significant benefits for Kerala’s development and economic growth.
Conclusion: Infrastructure initiatives in Kerala signal progress, emphasizing reduced travel time and enhanced connectivity. The collaborative efforts promise economic growth and a transformative impact on tourism.
