Bengaluru, April 16, 2025: Marking a notable milestone in its rich heritage, Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) has been awarded the coveted ‘National Highways Excellence Award 2023’ by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for its outstanding performance as a cooperative contract organization. The award was given by Shri Nitin Gadkari (Union Minister, MoRTH), in a function at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, attended by Shri Harsh Malhotra (MoS, MoRTH & Corporate Affairs), Dr. V.K. Saraswat (Member, NITI Aayog), Shri V. Umashankar (Secretary, MoRTH), Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav (Chairman, NHAI) and other dignitaries.

ULCCS were represented by Chief Project Manager T.K. Kishor Kumar and Manager M.V. Sumesh, who accepted the honour on behalf of the Society on the national forum, reaffirming the resilience of cooperative enterprise in India’s infrastructure revolution.

Speaking on the recognition, ULCCS Chairman, Rameshan Paleri, stated, “This recognition is not just an award for ULCCS—it is a celebration of the cooperative spirit that has guided us for over a century. Winning the National Highways Excellence Award reinforces our belief that infrastructure development can be both people-centric and performance-driven. The Thalappadi–Chengala project is a testament to what dedicated teamwork, rooted in community values and professional excellence, can achieve. We are honoured to represent Kerala and the cooperative movement on this national platform, and we remain committed to building infrastructure that not only connects places but also uplifts lives.”

The award acknowledges the 100-year journey of ULCCS, one of India’s longest-serving and most successful worker cooperatives and applauds its strong dedication to quality, transparency, social responsibility, and on-time delivery. ULCCS’ performance in the development of six-laning of national highways in over 20 reaches in the state has enabled it to be recognized by the Central Government, surpassing leading construction companies in the country.

Among its notable achievements, ULCCS is leading the construction of the 39-km Thalappadi–Chengala section under the Government of India’s flagship Bharatmala Pariyojana. ULCCS is the first to reach near completion of any segment of the project in Kerala, with 90% of the work already finished—well ahead of other sections being handled by major corporates. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commended ULCCS not only for its superior construction quality but also for its meticulous planning that ensures minimal disruption to local communities and traffic flow. The recognition is based on the Society’s dedication and exceptional expertise in timeliness, quality, professionalism and project management. Earlier in April 2024, ULCCS was also awarded the ‘Best Performer Award’ by NHAI , given by Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav, further confirming its consistent performance at the national level.

ULCCS emerged successful in the Thalappadi–Chengala project tender, with a proposal that balanced technical strength and cost-effectiveness, setting it apart in a highly competitive global bidding process. As India hastens its infrastructure drive, ULCCS’s national-level recognition is a powerful testament to the ability of worker-led, community-controlled organisations to reinterpret scale, quality, and accountability in the nation’s development story.

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The grand centenary celebrations culminated in a vibrant two-day event at the Sargaalya Arts and Crafts Village, a subsidiary of ULCCS themed “Creativity, Freedom: Challenges and Opportunities.” The festivities featured captivating cultural group performances, including Drama, Mohiniyattam, Group Dances, Thiruvathira, and Chendamelam, Mappilapat, Lalitaganam, Dramas as well as live demonstrations of Kerala’s rich artistic heritage.

Distinguished guests, including State and National level leaders of all major political parties in the state, Smt. Veena George, Minister of Health, Women and Child Development and Adv. P. Satidevi, Chairperson of the Kerala Commission for Women, graced the occasion, underscoring the economic and cultural significance of traditional arts and crafts. Notable figures, including renowned writers T. Padmanabhan, R. Rajasree, Malayalam film director Smt. Vidhu Vincent, actors Jagadish, Shankar Ramakrishnan, Vizhinjam Port MD Dr. Divya S. Aiyer and activist Sheetal Shyam  were present at the event.

Honouring the legacy of Uralungal workers, leaders from across the political spectrum came together to pay tribute to their contributions, acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping the community’s identity.

Reflecting on this journey, Mr. Rameshan Paleri, Chairman, ULCCS, stated, “Our 100-year legacy is just the beginning of many more innovations and societal development programs. From a humble cooperative to a model of sustainable progress, our journey embodies resilience, innovation, and collective growth. We remain steadfast in our mission to empower communities and drive inclusive development.” 

Added Mr. Paleri, “Inspired by social reformer Vagbhatananda, ULCCS has evolved from manual labour to executing large-scale projects, from highways and smart cities to IT hubs. As the only primary cooperative in India with permanent membership in the International Cooperative Alliance, we take pride in our global recognition. With our new beginnings through U-Sphere, we are set to transform construction, making it faster, more environmentally friendly, and economically viable.”

Founded in Uralungal to provide dignified employment for marginalized workers, ULCCS now employs over 18,000 people and has an annual turnover exceeding ₹2,400 crores. It leads major infrastructure, IT, housing, and skill development initiatives, balancing economic growth with social responsibility.

ULCCS ensures sustainability by diversifying into multiple sectors while staying true to its community-driven vision. Its IT arm, UL Technology Solutions (ULTS), spearheads digital transformation, while UL Cyberpark has strengthened Kerala’s tech sector by creating over 2,000 jobs. Beyond IT, ULCCS is revolutionizing prefabricated housing construction, with its newly launched subsidiary, U-Sphere, focused on smart, speedy, and sustainable construction. Other projects taken up by ULCCS also include material testing, and eco-friendly tourism through initiatives like the Kerala Arts & Crafts Village.

Committed to social welfare, ULCCS supports initiatives such as UL Care Nayanar Sadanam, which trains intellectually challenged adults, UL Care Madithattu for senior citizens, and UL Care Sargasheshi, which fosters artistic and economic opportunities for intellectually challenged women.

With a century of excellence behind it, ULCCS is shaping the future of cooperative innovation, integrating sustainability, technology, and community empowerment to redefine success in the decades ahead.

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