T’puram: The construction of NH 66 stretch from Kazhakkoottam to Kadampattukonam in the district has regained momentum after a six-month slowdown, with authorities expressing optimism about completing key portions of the project before the monsoon and the entire work by the end of the year.The 30km highway stretch, which begins at Kazhakkoottam and passes through Attingal bypass, Mamom bridge, Kollampuzha, Manamboor, Kallambalam and Ayamkonam before reaching Kadampattukonam, is being executed by Pune-based RKC Infrastructure Private Ltd. The project is a crucial component of the NH 66 widening into a six-lane corridor, aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity across the district. Work earlier progressed at a sluggish pace due to an acute shortage of red earth and filling material. However, the situation has improved significantly after the contractor began sourcing soil from designated quarries, allowing large-scale filling works to resume. At present, priority is being given to the construction of service roads to ensure that traffic movement along the busy highway remains largely uninterrupted. Approaches to divert vehicles through service roads at key locations, including Vetturoad, Kaniyapuram, Pallippuram, Thonnackal, Chempakamangalam and Korani, are nearing completion. Officials said that once these service roads are operational, work on the main carriageway will be accelerated. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is also pushing to complete earth-filling works for the six-lane road approaches on a war footing ahead of the monsoon season. Meanwhile, the overall progress of the project has crossed around 60%, according to RKC authorities. Of the 12km-long Attingal bypass, nearly 8km has already been completed. Construction of approaches is currently under way in several stretches, including Palamkonam, Thoppichantha, Kollampuzha, Ramachamvila and Kattumpuram. In Kallambalam–Kadampattukonam reach, significant progress has been reported in areas such as Kadampattukonam, 28th Mile, Navaikulam, Thattupalam and Kallambalam, where connectivity of service roads and approaches for the highway is being developed simultaneously. As part of safety measures, NHAI has decided to limit the height of reinforced earth (RE) walls to a maximum of nine metres. The decision follows accidents reported in other parts of the state, including Kottiyam and Malappuram, prompting a review of design standards. Additionally, an expert committee has been conducting soil stability tests in areas where the embankment height exceeds eight metres. Based on the findings, a final decision will be taken on whether flyovers are required in such stretches to ensure long-term safety and durability. Parallel works related to water supply lines, electrical utilities and other infrastructure components are also progressing in tandem with the highway construction. With the pace of work picking up and multiple segments nearing completion, authorities are hopeful that the highway upgrade will be delivered within the revised timeline, significantly improving travel time and road safety for commuters in the region. Construction materials theft Meanwhile, theft has become frequent at construction sites of NH 66, with complaints of materials worth lakhs of rupees being stolen. Material storage yards in several police station limits have been targeted. These include Navaikulam, 28th Mile and Manamboor under the Kallambalam police station limits; Palamkonam under Kadakkavoor police station limits; Kollampuzha under Attingal police station limits; and Chempakamangalam and Pallippuram under Mangalapuram police station limits. Expensive construction materials, including iron sheets used for shuttering, metal rods and other equipment, are regularly stolen from these yards.
