Rain, land acquisition issues and labour strikes halt NH 66 construction at multiple spots in Kerala

Construction work on National Highway 66 has come to a halt at multiple locations. Continuous heavy rainfall in August and serious lapses in execution by Megha Construction Company are the primary reasons. The company reportedly failed to plan construction activities in alignment with Kerala’s monsoon season. With work stalled on the main highway, traffic congestion has worsened on the service roads.

Most stretches of the highway in Kerala were originally scheduled to be completed by December this year. However, given the current pace, the deadline is likely to be extended to March 2026. The contract for two stretches—between Chenkal and Thaliparamba—was awarded to Megha Constructions. Due to repeated lapses in execution, the Central authorities had issued a warning that the company might be blacklisted.

In addition, workers had laid siege to the subcontractor’s office, alleging delays in wage payments. The subcontracting firm is now reportedly struggling with a labour shortage.

In the Neeleshwaram–Thaliparamba stretch, 85% of construction has been completed, while the Thaliparamba–Muzhappilangad stretch stands at 78%. Construction companies had planned their activities taking into account the southwest monsoon (June–July) and the northeast monsoon (October–November). However, this year, heavy rainfall began unexpectedly in mid-May and continued strongly through August. This severely impacted critical works such as tarring and road embankment construction.

Intense rainfall, triggered by low-pressure systems and other weather disturbances, brought work to a standstill. Labour shortages during the rainy season also hampered alternative works that could have been carried out.

Amidst these challenges, companies like Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society—which is handling the Thalappady–Chenkal stretch (39 km)—studied Kerala’s weather patterns in detail and adjusted their construction accordingly, achieving 100% completion on their segment.

In 2022, one of the major reasons for the delay in highway construction was also the early onset of the monsoon. That year, pre-monsoon rain in May had affected construction in the Malabar stretches. In 2023, heavy rains subsided only by the first week of August, after which workers returned fully and progress picked up. However, in May 2024, another spell of unexpected rain once again slowed down highway construction work.