NH-66 four-lane project in Kanniyakumari races towards completion with 82% work complete
The NH-66 four-lane highway project in India's Kanniyakumari district is 82% complete, with a new target completion date of December 2026. The project aims to significantly reduce travel time between Nagercoil and Thiruvananthapuram.
Why it matters
Infrastructure development is a critical driver of regional economic growth and connectivity in Southern India.
Relief is imminent, as National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed 90% structural works and 82% of overall work on NH-66 four-lane project in Kanniyakumari district, according to officials from NHAI.
The approximately 1,640-km long NH-66 connects Maharashtra with Kanniyakumari through Karnataka and Kerala. Of this around 54 km stretch runs through Kanniyakumari district. While a portion of the by-pass road from Chengavilai, near Kaliyakkavilai towards Thiruvananthapuram was opened for public a couple of years ago, commuters have been eagerly awaiting the completion of the remaining stretch in Kanniyakumari district.
Once completed, the highway is expected to connect Nagercoil with Thiruvananthapuram in around one and half hours. At present, commuters travel via Thuckalay, Marthandam, Padanthalumoodu and Kaliyakkavilai before joining the by-pass road, which takes nearly two and half hours.
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