Will Kerala Minister Ensure Timely Completion of NH-66 Works?
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Synopsis
Kerala's Public Works Minister has issued a crucial directive to ensure that National Highway-66 projects are completed on time, emphasizing quality and accountability amid political scrutiny. Can this be the turning point for timely infrastructure development in the region?
Key Takeaways
- Timely completion of NH-66 is critical for Kerala's infrastructure.
- Over 400 km of the highway is undergoing expansion to six lanes.
- The state government is focused on maintaining high quality standards.
- Political scrutiny may impact project management.
- Continuous communication with NHAI is essential for progress.
Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 8 (NationPress) Kerala Public Works Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas has mandated that the current projects on National Highway-66 in the state be finished within the designated schedule, while maintaining high quality standards, according to government officials.
This instruction was communicated to officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) during an extensive review meeting regarding the advancement of NH-66 developments across various sections of the highway.
NHAI reports that 70 percent of the work is already completed, with over 400 km upgraded to six lanes.
The Minister emphasized the need for a precise timeline for each section, which must be rigorously followed.
"In regions where the anticipated work rate has not been met, the NHAI Regional Officer needs to prioritize and implement urgent actions. Even in the monsoon season, activities like precasting can continue, and these tasks must be concluded without procrastination," stated Riyas, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The NH-66 initiative has faced scrutiny since May this year when portions of the under-construction highway failed in three districts.
Both Riyas and CM Vijayan have received criticism, particularly from Congress General Secretary and Alappuzha MP K.C. Venugopal, who chairs the Public Accounts Committee.
Venugopal accused Vijayan of taking credit for the project before its collapse and subsequently avoiding a site visit even though he was in Malappuram for two days at that time.
In June, to mitigate the political fallout, Vijayan and Riyas hurried to Delhi and secured a commitment from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari that the damaged sections would be reconstructed and the entire project would meet its deadline—aiming to present it as a 'New Year gift' to Kerala.
Friday's review meeting placed a spotlight on adhering to the approaching deadline, which is now less than five months away.
Riyas assured comprehensive support from the state government for timely completion and instructed officials to ensure that all service roads and current routes in work zones remain fully accessible at all times.
He cautioned that any negligence in this matter would be unacceptable.
Point of View
It is clear that the Kerala government must prioritize timely completion of vital infrastructure like NH-66. While the pressure mounts, the focus should remain on quality and accountability to restore public confidence.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of NH-66 projects?
As of now, 70% of the work on NH-66 is completed, with over 400 km upgraded to six lanes.
What measures are being taken to ensure timely completion?
The Minister has instructed strict adherence to timelines and emphasized the need for urgent attention in sections lagging behind.
Who is overseeing the NH-66 project?
The project is being overseen by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with directives from the Kerala Public Works Minister.
What challenges have been faced during the NH-66 construction?
The project has faced scrutiny due to collapses in three districts earlier this year, raising concerns about quality and management.
What support is the state providing for the NH-66 project?
The state government has assured full support for the timely completion of the project, including maintaining accessibility of service roads.
