Palakkad–Kozhikode Greenfield Highway
The Palakkad–Kozhikode Greenfield Highway is a major infrastructure initiative in Kerala, designed as a high-speed, access-controlled corridor that will significantly enhance connectivity between Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts.
Features
Length and Route: The highway will span approximately 121 km, starting from Marutharode in Palakkad (NH 544) and ending at Pantheeramkavu in Kozhikode (NH 66), passing through Malappuram district.
Travel Time: The new expressway is expected to reduce travel time between Palakkad and Kozhikode from over three hours to just about two hours, addressing current congestion issues on NH 966.
Project Cost: The project is estimated to cost around ₹7,937–8,000 crore, including both construction and land acquisition expenses
Land Acquisition: About 98% of the required land has already been acquired, with only a small portion of forest and non-forest land pending. The National Wildlife Board has approved the use of 134.1 hectares, including 9.5 hectares of forest land, with the route passing outside the buffer zone of Silent Valley National Park.
Design and Safety: The highway will be four or six lanes wide, with limited access points to enhance safety and traffic flow. Underpasses and ducts will be constructed along animal pathways to minimize environmental impact, following the recommendations of the Zoological Survey of India.
Environmental Considerations
- The alignment avoids direct intrusion into the core or buffer zones of Silent Valley National Park, maintaining a distance of 5.7 to 7.3 km from the protected area.
- Special mitigation measures, such as wildlife crossings and underpasses, are planned to address concerns about animal movement and potential human-wildlife conflict.
Economic and Social Impact
- The highway will improve regional connectivity, boost economic growth, and facilitate faster movement of goods and people across northern Kerala.
- It will also provide better access to key locations, including Calicut International Airport, ports, and tourist destinations like Wayanad, Ooty, and Silent Valley.
The Palakkad–Kozhikode Greenfield Highway is set to revolutionize transportation in northern Kerala by providing quicker, safer, and more efficient connectivity, all while considering environmental sustainability alongside development.
Citations:
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palakkad%E2%80%93Kozhikode_Greenfield_Highway
