NH 66 six-laning: 184.83 km completed; 538.76 km progressing at 72.5% in Kerala
Kasaragod: Six-laning work on 184.83 kilometres of National Highway 66 has been completed in Kerala. Construction is currently under way on a further 538.76 kilometres, with the average progress across these stretches standing at 72.50 per cent. The Kadambattukonam–Kazhakkoottam stretch, covering 29.83 kilometres, is the most delayed segment, with only 45.25 per cent of work completed so far.
In Kasaragod and Kannur districts, the Chengala–Nileshwaram, Nileshwaram–Taliparamba, and Taliparamba–Muzhappilangad reaches are nearing completion, with construction progress exceeding 80 per cent. Progress has also crossed 80 per cent in the Kappirikkad–Thalikulam, Thalikulam–Kodungallur, Aroor–Thuravoor South, and the Kollam Bypass stretch leading to Kadambattukonam.
Although the Thalassery–Mahe Bypass has been completed and opened to traffic, work on the underpass at East Palloor Junction and certain service road sections remains pending. Construction progress on these components stands at 28.31 per cent. East Palloor was the only signalised junction on the bypass, at the point where the Chokli–Peringadi Road intersects it.
Following an increase in accidents after the installation of traffic signals at the junction, authorities decided to remove the signal and construct an underpass. The bypass is being elevated at the location of the signal post to facilitate the underpass construction.
Work to eliminate four accident-prone black spots along the Thiruvananthapuram Bypass is also progressing slowly, with 25.42 per cent completed so far.
Stretches Completed
- Thalappady–Chengala (39 km)
- Nileshwaram Flyover (0.78 km)
- Thalassery–Mahe Bypass (18.60 km)
- Kozhikode Bypass (Vengalam Junction–Ramanattukara Junction – 28.4 km)
- Ramanattukara–Valanchery (39.68 km)
- Valanchery–Kappirikkad (37.35 km)
- Paloli Bridge and Moorad Bridge (2.1 km)
- Kazhakkoottam Junction–Technopark Junction Elevated Highway (2.72 km)
- Thiruvananthapuram Bypass (Mukkola to Tamil Nadu border – 16.2 km)