Work on NH-66 stretch picks up after setbacks
T'puram: After experiencing a significant setback due to contractor issues and material shortages, work on the critical Kazhakkoottam–Kadampattukonam section of NH-66 in the district has finally gained momentum.
Construction stalled when the original contractor, RDS Projects Ltd, faced financial distress and was subcontracted to Pune-based RKC Infrastructure Ltd. However, shortage of materials still exists and the contractor is seeking materials from quarries in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.
NHAI chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav personally inspected the site last week, directing the contractor to fulfil the state govt's strict deadline of Dec 2025.
"Completion by Dec 2025 is non-negotiable," Yadav told officials during his visit.
In the high-level meeting, Yadav made it clear that all the NH-66 works should be completed by the Dec deadline.
Sources said that the work is now progressing rapidly in the Attingal bypass region, with only 40% of the work completed. "The monsoon rains disrupted the pace, but they have started the soil filling works whenever possible.
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The Kazhakkoottam–Kadampattukonam stretch is a critical artery and delays are no longer acceptable," said an NHAI official.
The project has been beset by a series of delays, including acute shortages of rocks and red earth, essential for the construction. In response, the contractor petitioned the state govt for access to soil from a quarry in Mudakkal village. While this eased raw material issues, financial constraints ultimately necessitated subcontracting.
The scope of work remains vast, with approximately 20 lakh metric tons of soil required for landfilling and construction of a massive 22-km retaining wall.
Originally scheduled for completion in Jan 2025, the deadline was later extended to Oct 2025 and the contractor has recently requested a further extension to March 2026, a request deemed unacceptable by both NHAI and the state govt.
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