NH66 work: Contracts finalised for 16 reaches

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The development of the proposed six-lane, 600-kilometre NH 66 stretch from Thalappady in Kasaragod to Karode in Thiruvananthapuram has gained momentum with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) finalising the contract for 16 of the 20 reaches in the state. The road work is part of the of Panvel-Kanyakumari national highway development project.

In a Facebook post, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday the NH 66 development in the state has received a new lease of life with the tender work and other proceedings moving at a fast pace. “Around 25% of the land acquisition required is borne by the state government. Under the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, landlords are entitled to a maximum compensation of twice the market rate. The ongoing compensation distribution in the state will be completed within six months. With the completion of NH 66, the road traffic in the state will be smoother and safer,” Pinarayi wrote.