Kerala’s highway network has just seen a significant upgrade with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officially completing the six-laning of the Talapady–Chengala section of the new NH-66. This marks a major milestone in the state’s ongoing infrastructure development.
According to Jaspreet, Deputy Manager at NHAI, this 39-kilometer stretch from Talapady to Chengala, built by the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society Limited, is now fully open to traffic. The project features a broad six-lane main carriageway complemented by service roads on both sides, specifically designed to alleviate congestion, boost road safety, and significantly enhance connectivity along this bustling coastal route.
The extensive development includes critical structures like four major bridges across Uppala, Shiriya, Kumbala, and Mogral rivers, alongside four minor bridges. Additionally, the stretch features nine vehicle underpasses, one dedicated light vehicle underpass, three pedestrian-friendly foot overbridges, and 81 cross-drainage box culverts to ensure efficient water management.
To further enhance safety and efficiency, the road boasts street lighting along 35 kilometers and an Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS). This cutting-edge system continuously monitors and optimizes traffic flow, detecting incidents, providing real-time updates to drivers, and ensuring quick emergency responses. Its components include CCTV and speed cameras, dynamic variable message signs, automatic number plate recognition, and video incident detection, all managed from a central command center. A highlight of this project is South India’s first 1.16-kilometer single-pillar flyover, a remarkable 28.5-meter-wide structure spanning 29 sections, marking a significant achievement in modern highway engineering.
This specific section is part of a larger national highway project stretching 146.3 km from Talapady to Muzhappilangad. Though originally scheduled for completion by May 2025, the overall project timeline has been extended, with all remaining work anticipated to conclude by June 2026, further boosting regional road connectivity.
Mr. Jaspreet noted that the project encountered significant challenges, particularly its labor-intensive nature and disruptions from continuous monsoon rains. Despite these hurdles, while the Talapady to Chengala section is now entirely finished, other vital stretches – from Chengala to Nileswaram, Nileswaram to Taliparamba, and Taliparamba to Muzhappilangad – are making swift progress.
He confirmed that approximately 80% of the construction between Chengala and Nileswaram is complete, with about 75% finished on the remaining two sections. Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited is overseeing the Chengala to Taliparamba segment, while Vishwa Samudra Engineering Private Limited is responsible for the Taliparamba to Muzhappilangad portion.
The entire project, funded through a Hybrid Annuity Model, includes a 15-year maintenance and operation period by the designated concessionaire, ensuring long-term quality and upkeep.
Ultimately, this comprehensive highway development is set to dramatically enhance north Kerala’s regional connectivity, drastically cut travel times, and foster socio-economic growth by enabling safer and much smoother movement for commuters, trade, and logistics.