The development of the National Highway 185 stretch connecting Adimaly and Kumily in Idukki has achieved a significant milestone, with the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry approving the revised alignment, according to MP Dean Kuriakose.
Administrative Sanction Expected Soon
Kuriakose stated that the project is expected to receive final administrative sanction once it secures approval from the Standing Finance Committee, likely next week. The MP noted that Rs 350 crore had already been allocated for land acquisition, and other procedures, such as the issuance of the 3A notification and installation of boundary stones, were progressing.
Cost Reduction Measures
However, the project was reviewed after assessments indicated that the total cost, including land acquisition and construction based on a 30-metre width, would increase substantially. Following the review, it was decided to reduce the right of way (ROW) from 30 metres to 18 metres to control costs.
Under the revised plan, the highway will be developed as a two-lane road with paved shoulders. Officials believe this will enable the project to proceed at the ministry level without requiring special approval from the Union cabinet.
Project Cost and Length
The civil construction cost of the project is estimated at around Rs 810 crore, while land acquisition is expected to require approximately Rs 700 crore. The existing Adimaly-Kumily stretch of NH 185 is 92 km long. As per the revised alignment, the total length of the highway in this stretch will be 79 km.
Adimaly Bypass Included
Although discussions had been held on excluding the Adimaly bypass from the approved alignment, Kuriakose said he had requested that the bypass remain an integral part of the project. NHAI authorities have reportedly assured him that the bypass will be included in the final approval.
The MP met Vinayak Rajawat, Director General of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, to discuss issues related to the highway project.
