T’puram: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was directed to ensure the timely completion of ongoing NH 66 development works in Kollam said labour minister Bindu Krishna on Monday.Following an inspection of various construction sites along the highway corridor, the minister announced that drainage channels would be constructed to prevent waterlogging on stretches of NH 66 that witnessed flooding and poor stormwater management during the ongoing widening works.Addressing concerns raised by residents and traders, Krishna said Kallumthazham Road, closed to facilitate highway construction activities, would be reopened within a month. NHAI officials informed the minister that the ongoing work on the railway overbridge would be completed within the same timeframe.The minister said traffic restrictions currently in place would be lifted once the road is reopened. She assured the public that any lapses or delays in the execution of the project would be addressed through appropriate follow-up action.To monitor the progress of the highway works, a high-level review meeting involving elected representatives will be convened shortly, she added.


