The development of National Highway 66 (NH 66) in Kerala is approaching its conclusion, as confirmed by Public Works Minister PA Mohamed Riyas. A significant portion of the massive infrastructure project is already operational, with 492.64 km successfully widened to six lanes and opened to public traffic.
However, the project has faced structural challenges in its final stages. During a recent Assembly session, the Minister noted that defects were identified in specific locales, most notably within the Mylakkadu region of the Kollam-Kadampattukonam section. These findings prompted Kerala’s Chief Minister to intervene, urging the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways to prioritize both the timely completion of the highway and strict adherence to high safety standards.
To address these concerns, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a rigorous quality control initiative. Following initial expert committee inspections, the NHAI has appointed 10 specialized agencies to evaluate 17 specific highway stretches. A Comprehensive Geotechnical Study Programme is currently underway to assess the project’s structural integrity. This initiative includes a critical review of all reinforced soil (RS) walls, with potential plans to strengthen, redesign, or replace them with viaducts where necessary to ensure the highway’s long-term durability.
