Vizhinjam-Navaikulam Outer Ring Road gets environmental clearance; Union Cabinet approval next

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vizhinjam-Navaikulam Outer Ring Road project has received environmental clearance after a wait of four years. The project can move towards the construction stage once it also receives approval from the Union Cabinet.

The Outer Ring Road is expected to play a key role in the movement of cargo from Vizhinjam International Port. The environmental clearance will also pave the way for the payment of compensation to landowners who are giving up land for the project.

The project involves the construction of a four-lane road stretching 62.7 km from Vizhinjam to Navaikulam. Once completed, it will strengthen connectivity between Vizhinjam International Port, the national highway network and industrial and logistics hubs. The project is estimated to cost Rs 8,004.72 crore.

The project passes through 24 villages. So far, around 100 hectares of land have been acquired from 11 villages, while nearly 200 hectares still need to be acquired from the remaining 13 villages. The Kerala government has already sanctioned its Rs 3,200 crore share for land acquisition for the Outer Ring Road project.