NH-66 Six-Lane Highway: June 2026 Status Update
Project Status Dashboard
| Project | NH-66 Six-Lane Upgrade (Kerala Stretch) |
| Current Phase | Final stretch completion – North Kerala most advanced, South catching up |
| Overall Progress | Major portions complete; elevated highway sections and select bridges still under construction |
| Last Major Milestone | North Kerala sections largely open; Aroor-Thuravoor elevated highway progressing |
| Next Expected Milestone | Full completion targeted mid-2026; elevated highway (India’s longest 6-lane flyover) on track |
| Malayali Community Impact | Dramatically reduced north-south travel time, NRI property accessibility, tourism corridor boost |
By Mallu Metro Infrastructure Desk | June 2026
The transformation of NH-66 into a six-lane, signal-free corridor through Kerala is one of the largest highway projects in southern India’s history. Covering approximately 643 km from Kasaragod to the Tamil Nadu border, the project is now in its final stages, with the north Kerala stretches largely complete and the southern sections catching up rapidly.
Section-by-Section Status
North Kerala (Kasaragod to Kozhikode): The most advanced sections. Major stretches are open and carrying traffic. Travel time between Kasaragod and Kozhikode has already dropped significantly.
Central Kerala (Kozhikode to Kochi): Progressing well. The Kottakkal Bypass (6.58 km) is at approximately 70% completion, the Valanchery Bypass at 90%. Multiple bypasses and viaducts in the Malappuram stretch are in final stages.
Kochi to Alappuzha: The highlight here is the Aroor-Thuravoor elevated highway, a 12.75 km structure that will be India’s longest six-lane flyover when complete. Built by Ashoka Buildcon at a cost of Rs 1,668 crore, this section is still under active construction.
South Kerala (Kollam to Thiruvananthapuram): The Kollam district sections are progressing quickly with an early-to-mid 2026 target. The Thiruvananthapuram district sections and onward to the TN border were completed earlier and are mostly four-lane.
Quality Concerns Addressed
The project drew public criticism after newly built sections in Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod suffered partial collapses on elevated portions. NHAI has since directed stricter quality control and improved engineering standards. Multiple contractors are working across the stretch, including KNRC, ULCC, Shivalaya, and Adani. NHAI has extended deadlines multiple times due to Kerala’s heavy monsoons and the challenging terrain.
Why This Matters for Malayalis
Travel Time: When fully complete, driving from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram will take a fraction of the time it once did. For NRIs visiting family across districts, this is transformative.
Property Access: The highway upgrade is making previously remote coastal towns accessible for real estate development. NRIs investing in land along the NH-66 corridor are seeing improved connectivity as a value driver.
Tourism Corridor: The six-lane highway connects virtually every major tourist destination along Kerala’s coast. For a full guide to planning your Kerala visit, see TripAdept’s Kerala destination guides.