Thiruvananthapuram: The full restoration of damaged stretches along the National Highway, including the critical Kooriyad segment, is expected to take at least another 18 months, contradicting the Kerala state government’s earlier promise to reopen the road by the end of this year. Current construction progress across many southern districts remains sluggish, with several stretches reporting less than 65% completion. Some sections are now projected to be ready only by March 2027.

Notably, the Ramanattukara–Valanchery reach, which includes Kooriyad, suffered a major collapse just as it was nearing full opening in June. Authorities now estimate six months to clear the damaged road alone, followed by at least another 12 months to build a supporting bridge using pillar-based construction.

Worryingly, several under-construction reaches may require redesigns in the wake of the collapse. Reports suggest that pressure from the National Highway Authority to cut costs may have led to the omission of more robust but expensive viaduct-style structures in some locations.

Construction Progress by Reach (in %):

  • Chengala–Neeleswaram: 75
  • Neeleswaram–Taliparamba: 78
  • Taliparamba–Muzhappilangad: 75
  • Azhiyoor–Vengalam: 65
  • Kappirikkad–Thalikulam: 75
  • Thalikulam–Kodungallur: 65
  • Kodungallur–Edappally: 60
  • Thuravoor–Paravur: 38
  • Paravur–Kottankulangara: 60
  • Kottankulangara–Kollam: 68
  • Kollam–Kadampattukonam: 72
  • Kadampattukonam–Kazhakkoottam: 45
  • Aroor–Thuravoor Elevated Highway: 55

Nearing Completion (in %):

  • Thalappady–Chengala: 90
  • Kozhikode Bypass: 90
  • Ramanattukara–Valanchery: 95
  • Valanchery–Kappirikkad: 96

Completed Stretches:

  • Pallikkara–Neeleswaram
  • Azhiyoor–Muzhappilangad
  • Paloli Palam–Moorad
  • Kazhakuttom Elevated Highway
  • Kazhakuttom–Karode

The extended delays and infrastructural setbacks raise serious concerns about planning, execution, and safety standards of ongoing highway projects in Kerala.