NHAI to fund drainage works along Kerala highways after waterlogging complaints

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will fund drainage connectivity works along national highways in Kerala after waterlogging on service roads and nearby low-lying areas triggered complaints and traffic disruptions across the state.

Under the arrangement, local self-government institutions will undertake drainage works outside the notified National Highway Right of Way, while the NHAI will provide financial assistance through its Deposit Work mechanism.

The decision follows reports of severe waterlogging along several national highway stretches and service roads. In Alappuzha, residents had blocked a road after homes were flooded, with complaints pointing to inadequate drainage along the Alappuzha bypass.

An initial assessment found that several existing cross-drainage structures and culverts along national highways were not connected to functional natural drains or suitable outlets beyond the highway Right of Way.

As a result, stormwater discharged through these structures was accumulating in adjoining low-lying areas, causing localised flooding, inconvenience to residents and damage to public and private property.

The issue was raised with the NHAI at a meeting convened by PWD Minister P.K. Basheer in June 2026. A further meeting was convened by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan in July.

The NHAI subsequently expressed its willingness to finance drainage connectivity works beyond the highway Right of Way. However, because the proposed works fall outside the notified highway boundary, the authority cannot execute them directly.

It was therefore decided that the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) would undertake the works under the coordination of the respective district administrations, with the NHAI providing the required financial assistance.