On January 8, 2026, Minister for Tourism and Public Works P.A. Mohammed Riyas said the widening work on the Mananchira-Vellimadukunnu road in Kozhikode will be completed by February 2026. He told reporters that the Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, will officially open the road. "The road will be a big solution to decongest the traffic in Kozhikode city," Mr. Riyas said. He added that 12 other city roads will be developed as designer roads with newly approved funds. The Minister also mentioned that National Highway widening works are progressing and expected to finish on time. He acknowledged concerns about slow work on the Vadakara NH stretch and said efforts are underway to correct the contractors' negligence. Mr. Riyas stressed that safety remains a top priority in all construction projects. He said, "The concerns of people regarding various incomplete works will be taken to the authorities concerned." He further stated that the Cheruvannur flyover and Koyilandy bypass projects should also finish as scheduled. On politics, Mr. Riyas expressed confidence that the Left Democratic Front will retain all 13 seats in Kozhikode district and win 110 seats overall in the upcoming Assembly elections. He claimed there is no anti-government sentiment in Kerala at present.