NH-66: The Finish Line is Finally in Sight for Kerala

The construction of National Highway 66 in Kerala is entering its final phase, according to Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas.

Developed under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), around 492.64 km of the highway has already been widened to six lanes and opened to traffic. Addressing the Assembly recently, the Minister acknowledged that construction defects were detected in certain stretches, prompting the Chief Minister to approach the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways to ensure timely completion while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Following this, an expert committee inspected the affected sections and recommended corrective measures. A specific defect was identified at Mylakkadu along the Kollam–Kadampattukonam stretch. To address such issues, the NHAI has engaged 10 agencies to inspect 17 stretches of the highway and launched a Comprehensive Geotechnical Study Programme to assess overall quality.

Additionally, the design and construction of reinforced soil (RS) walls will be reviewed, with provisions for strengthening, redesigning, demolition, or construction of viaducts wherever necessary to ensure long-term safety and durability.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.