No blanket ban on small vehicles, buses on NH 66; restrictions based on terrain and infrastructure

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Small vehicles and transport buses will not face a uniform ban across all reaches of the highway upon the completion of National Highway 66. Authorities clarified that any restrictions will be determined based on local topography and the availability of service roads.

The Ramanattukara–Valanchery stretch is expected to implement a trial restriction on small vehicles. In other sections, inputs from respective District Transport Authorities will guide future decisions.

In states that enforce such bans, six-lane highways typically have a width of 60 meters. In contrast, Kerala's NH 66 has only 45 meters in width, with many areas lacking adequate service roads. Even in stretches with bridges and flyovers, service roads are either insufficient or entirely absent.

Earlier, the National Highways Authority had proposed diverting two-wheelers, autos, and transport buses to service roads along the Kazhakkoottam–Karode stretch. However, the Transport Department opposed the directive. The KSRTC also raised concerns, citing operational difficulties due to steep gradients on service roads.

Congestion likely if service roads are sole option

• Experts warn that mandating small vehicles and pedestrians to use service roads could worsen traffic congestion.
• Sparse entry and exit points along the six-lane highway often force larger vehicles onto the same service lanes, compounding the problem.
• Additionally, waterlogging remains a recurring issue on service roads during the monsoon, with runoff from the main highway frequently spilling over and disrupting flow.