NH 66 expansion in Kollam hit by multiple hurdles

The expansion of National Highway (NH) 66 in Kollam continues to face major hurdles due to technical glitches, safety concerns and increasing delays.

The completion timeline of the project, which covers an area of ​​approximately 63 km along two major reaches from Kottankulangara to Kollam Ring Road and ring road to Kadambattukonam, has undergone major revisions. The official deadlines of the Kottankulangara-Kollam Ring Road section have been extended from October 2024 to December 31, 2027. Similarly, the timeline for the ring road to Kadambattukonam has also been extended from March 2025 to June 30, 2027. Although interim completion targets are targeted for the end of this year, ground level assessments indicate that this is highly unlikely to be achieved due to slow progress.

The main reason for these delays was the structural collapse that occurred during reinforced earth (RE) construction on December 5.In Mylakkadu, the wall collapsed during the final construction phase. Following this failure, it was decided to build a viaduct instead of the damaged structure, the cost of which would be borne by the contractor. Replying to a question from MP NK Premachandran in the Lok Sabha, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed that an expert committee comprising geotechnical experts from IIT Delhi and IIT Palakkad had assessed the structural safety of all earth embankments in Kollam. Detailed ground testing and borehole surveys have been completed and existing structural designs, particularly renewable energy walls, are undergoing rigorous review based on field data and soil properties.