CM Satheesan Seeks Vijay’s Intervention Over Regulation of Construction Material to Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Tuesday wrote to his counterpart in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, CM Joseph Vijay, pointing out that Kerala and Tamil Nadu have always shared a unique and enduring relationship founded on geographical proximity, cultural affinity and a long tradition of mutual cooperation.

“Our two governments have consistently worked together in a spirit of cooperative federalism to promote the welfare and economic development of our people. I am writing to seek your personal intervention in an issue of considerable importance affecting the timely implementation of National Highway projects in Kerala,” he said.

“I understand that the Government of Tamil Nadu, vide Gazette Notification No. 306 dated 09.07.2026, has introduced provisions regulating the inter-State transportation of rough stones and other construction materials. Consequently, the movement of stone aggregates from the districts of Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari to Kerala has been significantly affected. These districts have traditionally been the principal source of stone aggregates required for the execution of several National Highway projects in Kerala,” stated the Kerala CM.

“As you are aware, Kerala has limited availability of suitable stone aggregates for large-scale infrastructure works. A substantial quantity of the materials required for the ongoing National Highway projects is therefore sourced from neighbouring districts of Tamil Nadu. The restrictions on inter-State transportation have adversely impacted the supply chain, disrupted construction activities and pose a serious risk of delay in the completion of several strategically important projects,” he said.

Satheesan goes on to add that these National Highway projects are of immense significance not only to Kerala but to the southern region as a whole.

“They are expected to strengthen regional connectivity, improve logistics efficiency, facilitate trade and tourism, and enhance access to important economic hubs in both our States. They will also provide seamless connectivity to the Vizhinjam International Seaport and the International Container Transshipment Terminal at Vallarpadam, thereby contributing significantly to the economic growth and competitiveness of southern India,” added Satheesan.

“I fully appreciate the objectives behind your Government’s policy and the need to ensure sustainable management of natural resources. At the same time, I am confident that a balanced approach can be evolved whereby the legitimate requirements of nationally important infrastructure projects are accommodated without compromising the policy objectives of the Government of Tamil Nadu,” the Kerala CM said in his letter.

Satheesan requested Vijay’s intervention to consider granting suitable relaxation or evolving an appropriate mechanism to facilitate the uninterrupted transportation of stone aggregates required exclusively for the ongoing National Highway and other nationally significant infrastructure projects in Kerala.

“Such a measure would greatly assist in ensuring the timely completion of these projects and would further reinforce the spirit of cooperation that has always characterised the relationship between our two States,” said Satheesan.