Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, requesting urgent intervention to ease restrictions on the inter-state transportation of construction materials, particularly stone aggregates, that are essential for several National Highway projects in Kerala. The appeal comes after a Tamil Nadu government notification introduced new regulations governing the movement of rough stones and other construction materials across state borders.
According to the Kerala government, the districts of Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Kanniyakumari have traditionally supplied a significant portion of the stone aggregates required for large-scale infrastructure projects in Kerala. With the new transport restrictions in place, the supply chain has been disrupted, affecting ongoing construction work and raising concerns over potential project delays.
In his letter, Satheesan highlighted that these National Highway projects are strategically important not only for Kerala but also for the broader southern region. Improved road connectivity is expected to strengthen logistics, facilitate trade and tourism and enhance access to key economic hubs, including the Vizhinjam International Seaport and Vallarpadam Container Terminal.
While acknowledging Tamil Nadu’s objective of regulating natural resources, the Kerala Chief Minister requested a practical mechanism or suitable relaxation that would allow uninterrupted supply of construction materials for nationally significant infrastructure projects. The move reflects continued efforts by both neighbouring states to resolve the issue through cooperative federalism and ensure that critical development works remain on schedule.
