T’puram: With a focus on modernizing road infrastructure, improving project execution and introducing technology-driven reforms, the state govt has earmarked Rs 5,952.29 crore for the public works department (PWD) in its budget.A key announcement in the budget is the introduction of a new legal framework to improve the efficiency of PWD-led work. The govt also said the existing PWD manual will be comprehensively revised to streamline procedures and enhance transparency in public infrastructure projects. To improve the quality of road infrastructure, the govt will establish a road architecture wing to upgrade roads, bypasses and junctions across Kerala to international standards.Over the next five years, all PWD roads in the state will be upgraded in phases to bituminous macadam (BM) and bituminous concrete (BC) standards. An AI-based road inspection system will be introduced, modelled on technologies used in several developed countries, to scientifically monitor road conditions and improve maintenance planning.The budget also includes allocations and announcements for several infrastructure projects linked to PWD. These include the Pathanapuram town ring road, the Poonthura fishing harbour and Poonthura–Idayar Bridge, a feasibility study for an elevated highway connecting NH 66 to Kozhikode airport, the resumption of the Kottayam skywalk project, and initial funding for the Goshree–Bolgatty parallel bridge.The announcements underline the govt’s emphasis on strengthening Kerala’s transport infrastructure through improved engineering standards, technology-driven asset management and targeted investments in key road and bridge projects.
