The proposed Vizhinjam–Navaikulam Outer Ring Road project in the Thiruvananthapuram region is likely to move ahead soon, as the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change is expected to grant environmental clearance for the revised alignment by the end of this month.
The approval is an essential milestone for the highway corridor being developed to improve regional connectivity. Earlier, the environmental clearance granted for the Vizhinjam–Thekkada section was withdrawn after the detailed project report underwent several modifications. The changes were made to address environmental concerns and included adjustments to the road alignment, along with the introduction of tunnel sections in certain areas.
To support the review process, the Ministry appointed Ultratech Environmental Consultancy and Laboratory to conduct an environmental assessment along the proposed route. The consultancy firm completed its field survey recently and is expected to submit its findings to the Ministry shortly.
Once the environmental clearance is received, the project will proceed with the next phase, which includes land acquisition and compensation for affected landowners. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India confirmed that the development remains on track, despite concerns that the upcoming elections could potentially slow down progress.
