The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is making significant moves to bolster infrastructure across India, particularly focusing on projects in Madhya Pradesh and Kerala. Recently, NHAI decided to scrap its proposed underpass at Anayara on the Kazhakootam-Kovalam stretch of NH 66, shifting its focus to constructing a new flyover at Kumarichantha. This decision follows concerns raised by local businesses, particularly a mall, about potential traffic congestion and decreased visibility along the proposed underpass route.
The scrapping of the Anayara underpass was reportedly influenced by feedback from the mall's management, which feared increased traffic from the mall’s inflow and outflow. Instead, NHAI's decision to pursue the Kumarichantha flyover is seen as a necessary alternative to manage the growing vehicle concentration. According to sources, "We proposed an underpass there to reduce the congestion. [...] Hence, the mall authorities and govt asked us to drop the project and build a flyover at Kumarichantha instead," commented an NHAI source.
Construction work on the underpass project had commenced earlier this year, with plans for multiple infrastructural enhancements, including the Enchakkal flyover and Thiruvallam service bridge. These projects reflect NHAI's comprehensive approach to easing traffic complications and promoting efficient transportation routes along the stretch of NH 66, with the proposed underpass costing around ₹30 crore.
While the Anayara project has been shelved, NHAI has also indicated potential delays for similar underpass projects at Mukkolakkal and Technopark Phase-III. Currently, there has yet to be any final decision from the state government on these undertakings, as they aim to secure funding to push these initiatives forward.
Simultaneously, the Madhya Pradesh government is making significant strides during the Invest MP – Global Investment Summit 2025. Within this framework, the government signed memorandums of understandings (MoUs) worth ₹3.71 lakh crore, with NHAI responsible for investments totaling ₹1 lakh crore directed toward enhancing national highways and expressways throughout the state.
These agreements encompass various sectors, including energy, primarily focusing on renewable resources. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of these developments, stating, "MP will grow as a logistics hub in the future," emphasizing the potential connection of industrial parks to major ports through corridors like the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
The summit saw the Adani Group pledging ₹1.10 lakh crore, promising to generate around 1.2 lakh jobs by 2030. Additional significant investments include NTPC committing ₹1.2 lakh crore for renewable energy projects, Reliance Industries pledging ₹60,000 crore for biofuel projects, and other notable players like Torrent Power Ltd signing agreements for substantial investments.
This collective effort from both Madhya Pradesh and NHAI highlights the central role infrastructure plays not only in economic development but also the enhancement of regional connectivity, sustainability, and growth opportunities across diverse sectors. The progression of these initiatives promises to uplift the overall economic climate, positioning both Madhya Pradesh and Kerala strategically for future advancements.
Conclusively, as NHAI navigates through the hurdles of community concerns and strategic planning, its investment plans across these regions reflect the increasing intertwining of infrastructure development with broader economic aspirations. These moves are set to redefine not only local environments but also pave the way for enhanced regional logistics.