T’puram: Key infrastructure projects in the capital district, including the ongoing work of the subsequent phases of Vizhinjam International Seaport and widening of NH 66, are likely to face setbacks following Kanyakumari district administration’s decision to ban tipper trucks (heavy load) carrying construction materials to Thiruvananthapuram.The restriction comes in the wake of a series of fatal accidents involving heavy vehicles on Kaliyikkavila-Nagercoil stretch, prompting safety concerns and public outrage. On Tuesday, a 19-year-old college student was killed after a speeding truck rammed a two-wheeler near Thuckalay, triggering protests by local political parties demanding stricter action against reckless tipper truck movement. Responding to mounting pressure, Kanyakumari district collector R Azhagumeena imposed a temporary ban on tipper trucks transporting construction materials towards Kerala. The ban will remain in force until the ongoing widening works of Karode-Kanyakumari stretch of NH 66 are completed. However, officials indicated that the highway work itself has been progressing slowly and is unlikely to be completed before next year. The decision has raised serious concerns among stakeholders in Kerala, as several major projects depend heavily on raw materials sourced from Tamil Nadu (TN). Sources in the port sector said the impact on the Vizhinjam project could be immediate. “Around 300 to 400 trucks arrive at the port site daily as part of capacity augmentation works. Nearly 40% of these are from TN. With the ban in place, material flow will be disrupted,” a senior port department official said. However, the official added that there is a temporary cushion. “We have sufficient materials to sustain work until the onset of the southwest monsoon. Meanwhile, discussions are likely to be initiated with the TN govt to resolve the issue,” the official said. The ban is also expected to affect the ongoing NH 66 widening works between Kazhakkoottam and Kadampattukonam, a crucial stretch in the state’s road infrastructure network. The project, already delayed with only about 50% completion, relies on a steady supply of construction materials from both Kerala and TN. According to NHAI officials, while earthwork materials are sourced locally, essential inputs such as rocks and aggregates are largely transported from TN. Industry sources alleged that similar bans imposed in the past disrupted material supply chains and delayed progress on major infrastructure projects. Some stakeholders even expressed suspicion that the repeated restrictions could be indirectly affecting Kerala’s development projects. The timing of the ban is particularly critical, as Vizhinjam port is gearing up for expanded operations, with gateway cargo movement expected to begin soon. Efficient road connectivity between TN and Kerala is considered vital for ensuring seamless logistics and cargo evacuation from the port. With both the port and highway projects entering crucial phases, the state authorities are expected to take up the matter diplomatically with their TN counterparts to seek an early resolution.
