Kerala: Coastal Highway Project Gains Pace In Ernakulam Amid Landowners’ Concerns

The coastal highway project in Kerala has gained momentum in Ernakulam with the revenue authorities issuing a notification under Section 11(1) for acquiring land across several coastal villages, Times of India reported.

However, the move has also triggered unease among landowners, who are demanding clarity on the special compensation package promised by the government.

According to the notification, around 48 hectares of land will be acquired in Puthuvype, Elamkunnapuzha, Njarakkal, Nayarambalam, Edavanakkad, Kuzhuppilly and Pallippuram villages.

The project, being implemented by the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) with financial support from KIIFB, envisages a 14 metre-wide highway built to national standards.

Local MP Hibi Eden has urged the state government to announce a definitive package for affected families, cautioning that the absence of clarity has left landowners anxious and preparing to launch protests.

“People have been waiting for years. The state must come forward with a transparent and fair package,” he said.

In Ernakulam, preliminary outlines for two stretches — Chellanam South to Fort Kochi and Kalamukku to Munambam are ready, and the revenue department is expected to begin acquisition shortly with KIIFB funds already earmarked.

The alignment of the brownfield corridor will run along the western side of the Vypeen–Munambam highway, with plans to widen the Pandikudy–Chellanam Road and the parallel road on the Vypeen–Pallippuram stretch as part of the development.

The coastal highway, stretching 624 km from Pozhiyur in Thiruvananthapuram to Kunjathur near Kasaragod, is among Kerala’s largest infrastructure initiatives. Of this, 468 km will be developed by KRFB at an estimated cost of Rs 6,500 crore.

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