NH-66 Kerala: The Final Countdown to a 2026 Finish

The long-delayed widening of National Highway-66 (NH-66) in Kerala is now slated for phased completion between March and August 2026.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has revised the project timeline, indicating that a substantial portion of the work is expected to be completed by mid-2024. At present, construction is underway across 16 stretches, covering a total length of 422.8 km.

However, the project has come under scrutiny following multiple collapses and structural failures in certain under-construction sections, raising concerns over construction quality and safety. Notably, collapses were reported earlier this year near Mylakkadu and Kooriyad, prompting heightened safety concerns.

In response, MoRTH has constituted an expert committee to assess vulnerable stretches and recommend corrective measures. The Ministry has also initiated remedial actions, imposed penalties on concerned contractors and consultants, and announced that safety audits will be conducted wherever required.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.