'NH 66 — 2026 New Year gift to Kerala, 360-meter-long viaduct soon'

NEW DELHI: Minister P A Mohammed Riyas exuded confidence after meeting Union Minister Nitin Gadkari alongside Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Delhi on Wednesday. According to reports, Minister Riyas discussed the unfortunate incident of a road collapse in Malappuram district with the Union Minister. The union minister in return, assured strong punitive actions over the appalling incident.

The central government also assured effective steps to prevent such shocking incidents from happening again. Gadkari stated that a 360-meter viaduct will be constructed soon in the state. Minister Riyas stated that the construction of the national highway would be completed on time.

“The central government assured that NH 66 will be presented to the country as a New Year's gift in 2026. Whatever the obstruction, the project will not be delayed. The state government will cooperate with all their means to bring this project to a reality. The Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Project has received central approval. Construction will begin by the end of July," said Minister Riyas.

The union minister also promised to end the tiring traffic snarl in Kochi, Kerala’s major city. He added that the Kollam Shenkottai greenfield project will get approval by September.