Title: Need to modernize National Highway in Kerala and convert into six-lane roads-Laid.
SHRI P.C. THOMAS (MUVATTUPUZHA): Sir, Kerala has mainly three National Highways. But none of them conform to the National Highway standards. The State, which is industrially backward, has high potentials in tourism, eco-friendly industries and plantation industries if given proper infrastructure. NH-17 from Edapally to Mangalore passes mainly through Malabar, the northern Kerala which is the most backward in development. NH-47 which passes through Cochin and the coastal areas needs improvement to world class standard as many ports and industries are situated enroute. NH-49, from Cochin to Madurai gives continuity of the hilly regions and tourist spots. All these highways should be modernized and elevated at six-lane roads of express road standards. The technology of rubberised bitumen may be used for tarring very economically, as Kerala is rich in natural rubber.
I would request the Union Government to take early action in the matter.
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