NH 66 construction moving at slow pace due to unavailability of rocks and soil; CM intervenes

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The construction of the National Highway 66 (NH 66) has slowed down in the state due to the unavailability of essential materials like rocks and soil, prompting the Chief Minister to intervene. The Chief Minister called a meeting on Thursday to discuss the issue.

The reason for the delay is local opposition towards matters such as soil excavation and delayed permissions from departments such as Mining and Geology. Construction is underway in 23 reaches, with six already completed. While four more reaches are expected to be completed by March, the construction of the remaining reaches is now in jeopardy.

Except for the Aroor-Thuravoor elevated highway, the goal was to complete the construction by December 2025. This is a project that was revived after the LDF government came to power. In the current situation, it is doubtful whether the construction will be completed even by May 2026, when the government's term ends. With the rains receding, this is an ideal time for construction. The contract companies are demanding that the obstacles be cleared as soon as possible. The Chief Minister has directed the concerned ministers to provide an immediate solution.

On April 30, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Chairman Santosh Yadav had held a discussion with the Chief Secretary, seeking the state government's cooperation to expedite the construction. The discussion took place after contract companies informed the NHAI that the construction was delayed due to the unavailability of materials, including soil. Although the government had assured relaxation in conditions for transporting construction materials, there was no follow-up action.

Strong intervention of CM is required
On Friday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will hold a discussion with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari regarding the development of National Highways. Contract companies had pointed out the unavailability of construction materials during the Chief Minister's discussion with top officials and contract companies on Thursday.

Reaches completed so far
1. Pallikkara- Nileshwar
2. Thalassery- Mahe
3. Paloli Bridge- Mooradu
4. Kazhakoottam Elevated Highway
6. Mukkola- Tamil Nadu border

Reaches that will be completed in March
1. Thalappady- Chengala
2. Kozhikode bypass
3. Ramanattukara- Valanchery
4. Valanchery- Kappirikkad

Reaches where construction is getting delayed

1. Chengala- Nileshwar
2. Nileshwar- Taliparamba
3. Taliparamba- Muzhappilangad
4. Azhiyoor- Vengalam
5. Kappirikkad- Thalikkulam
6. Thalikkulam- Kodungallur
7. Kodungallur- Edappally
8. Thuravoor-Paravoor
9. Paravoor- Kottankulangara
10. Kottankulangara-Kollam
11. Kollam- Kadambattukonam
12. Kadambattukonam- Kazhakoottam
13. Aroor-Thuravoor Elevated Highway

380 km- Construction in crisis

Rs 65,000 crore- Total construction cost of National Highway