Kerala's Coastal Corridor: The $6,500 Cr. Project Gets a Revamp

Land acquisition and structural assessment for the Thiruvananthapuram stretch of the Coastal Highway, spanning from Pozhiyoor to Kappil, have commenced, with the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) aiming to float tenders by December 2025 and begin construction by January 2026.

Part of the larger Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod Coastal Highway project—covering approximately 620–650 km—the corridor was initially estimated to cost ₹6,500 crore. However, delays and rising land prices have led to significant cost escalations, prompting KRFB to submit a revised estimate to the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) for approval.

Project progress has been slowed by opposition from local fishing communities, who have raised concerns about livelihood displacement and environmental impact. In response, authorities have initiated social impact assessments and compensation negotiations. A rehabilitation survey conducted by the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC) indicated that most affected fishermen prefer monetary compensation over relocation.

In Thiruvananthapuram district, the project is divided into four reaches, with certain technically challenging segments requiring special engineering and environmental considerations.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.