National Highway-66 In Kerala Set For Completion By Aug 2026, Govt Says Rs 16,500 Cr Spent So Far

The work on the 422-km National Highway-66 corridor is now expected to be fully completed by August 2026, as per the revised schedule shared by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari cited additional works, material shortages, financial constraints of concessionaires and contractors, and an extended monsoon period as key reasons for the delay in completing NH-66.

“Approximately Rs 16,500 crore has been spent so far on construction and repair works across various stretches of National Highway (NH) 66 in Kerala,” Gadkari said while responding to a question from MP Shafi Parambil.

Attingal MP Adoor Prakash had also sought an update on the project’s progress. Gadkari assured, in a written

reply, that necessary penal actions have been taken against defaulting concessionaires, contractors and consultants.

He added that technical and safety audits will be conducted at vulnerable locations on NH-66, as required.

Five Sections Achieve Over 80% Progress

Several stretches of NH-66 in Kerala have crossed the 80% completion mark, indicating significant advancement in the state’s six-laning programme. In total, five packages with a collective length of about 172 km have achieved over 80% progress.

The 40 km Neeleshwaram–Thalipparamba stretch has recorded the highest progress at 83.6%, with a revised completion deadline of June 30, 2026. The 33 km Kappirikkad–Thalikulam stretch has reached 83.1% physical progress, with the government targeting March 31, 2026 for completion.

Close behind is the 37 km Chengala–Neeleshwaram section, which has achieved 82.7% progress and is also scheduled for completion by June 30, 2026.

The 31 km Kollam Bypass–Kadambattukonam segment has achieved 81.8% progress, making it one of the fastest-moving works in the southern part of the corridor; it too is slated for completion by March 31, 2026. Additionally, the 30 km Thalipparamba–Muzhapilangadu stretch has reached 80% progress, with a revised target of June 30, 2026.

Most sections have deadlines between March and June 2026. The only section with an August 2026 deadline is the 40 km Azhiyur–Vengalam stretch, which has achieved 60% progress.

Despite only three to six months remaining for several deadlines, some critical segments still lag behind. The 1 km underpass at the Thalassery–Mahe bypass remains the slowest, with just 14% progress despite a deadline of May 20, 2026. The rectification of four blackspots has also seen limited advancement, reaching only 24.1%, although the work is targeted for completion by June 30, 2026.

The Kozhikode Bypass bridge-widening works—an important component for easing traffic—stand at 48.5% progress, with a revised completion date of March 5, 2026. Similarly, the 30 km Kadambattukonam–Kazhakuttom stretch has reached only 44.3%, despite a target of May 30, 2026.

MoRTH Admits Flooding, Slush Entering Homes in Kannur

In a separate reply to Kannur MP Kumbakudi Sudhakaran, the Ministry acknowledged that the ongoing works had triggered drainage failures and waterlogging in parts of Kannur, necessitating the construction of 81 cross-drainage structures and site-specific design revisions, further contributing to project delays.

The MP had said that flooding and slush had entered residential homes in Kuppam and Taliparamba in Kannur district due to ongoing six-laning work on the Taliparamba–Muzhappilangad stretch.

The Ministry said that no village-wise flooding incidents have been reported. However, it acknowledged drainage obstructions and confirmed that corrective works are underway.

Gadkari said the project includes provisions for multiple cross-drainage structures—mainly box culverts—at frequent intervals to effectively manage stormwater.

“Retaining walls and cross-drainage structures are being executed as per site-specific requirements and as per the scope of the Concession Agreement,” he added.

Together, the replies indicate that while construction has advanced substantially on major stretches, unresolved engineering challenges and resource constraints continue to slow down the full completion of NH-66.

RS Wall Collapse in Kollam Raises Safety Concerns

Last week, a failure of a reinforced soil (RS) wall was reported at Mylakkadu in Kollam district. On Wednesday, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said preliminary assessments suggest the cause was a deep-seated shear or bearing-capacity failure, meaning the foundation soil was too weak to support the fill.

Taking action, the concessionaire and its promoters, along with the Independent Engineer (IE), have been temporarily suspended from bidding for future projects. They have also been issued show-cause notices for possible debarment and monetary penalties. The Project Manager of the concessionaire and the Resident Engineer of the IE have been removed from the site immediately.

“While the technology of RS walls is sound, the failures raise serious concerns about the bearing capacity and quality of the soil used in the design and construction of these structures along NH-66,” the NHAI said.

The recent collapse follows earlier warnings about NH-66’s structural vulnerabilities.

In August, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) highlighted the poor condition of NH-66 in Kerala—marked by collapses, cracks and substandard construction—and warned that such issues could have resulted in tragic casualties had they occurred after the road opened to the public.