Kottayam: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated the process of preparing a detailed classification of land to be acquired for the development of NH 183, which passes through Kottayam. This follows the collapse of NH 66 at Kooriyad in Malappuram, prompting the agency to take action.

A consultancy agency on behalf of NHAI has started the classification of land types along the proposed stretch, such as paddy fields, river and canal banks and human settlements, which cover the area included in the first phase of the alignment. The alignment plan for the road, from Mulakuzha Junction in Kottayam to Chengal in Vazhoor, has been prepared by the consultancy and submitted to NHAI. So far, land characteristics have been identified for a 20 kilometre stretch from Mulankuzha to Mannathipara near Pathimoonam Mile. As per this classification, 34 hectares of the land are paddy fields while human settlements are 6.5 hectares.  Meanwhile, about 10 hectares of land belong to the plantation area.

Work is currently in progress to assess the land classification for the remaining stretch from Mannathipara to Chengal. Earlier in mid-June, the NHAI Chief Engineer inspected the area under the first phase of alignment. A detailed discussion and review of this alignment are scheduled to take place soon. This phase includes the Kottayam Bypass from Mulankuzha to Velloor, Pampady Bypass from Vattamalappady to Chennampilly, as well as the Pulikkal Junction Bypass

Officials have indicated that changes to the alignment may be made based on the outcome of these discussions.
Road development plan

• Total width: 24 metres
• Tarred road width: 15 metres
• Concrete median: In the centre
• Footpaths: 1.5 metres wide on both sides
• Utility duct: 0.45 metres wide