NH-66 Kerala expansion delayed again: Construction defects push completion to 2027

New Delhi: The expansion of National Highway 66 (NH-66) in Kerala will not be completed within this calendar year. Structural defects discovered during construction led to cracks in various sections, necessitating major design changes that have caused further delays. Completion is now expected only by March 2027.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to replace several Reinforced Earth (RE) retaining walls with concrete pillar-based structures. Work on these modifications is set to commence in June and is estimated to take between six and nine months. Consequently, the NHAI has revised the project timeline for the third time. While these structural alterations are expected to increase costs for specific sections, the overall project budget is projected to remain stable.

Furthermore, the 31.5 km Kollam–Kottamkulangara stretch requires Union Cabinet approval for a revised design following widespread local protests. The Cabinet is expected to review the proposal once the legislative assembly election results are announced.