Thiruvananthapuram, Feb. 10. The six-laning of 669 kilometres of National Highway 66 in Kerala extending from Thalappady in Kasaragod to Chenkal at the southernmost district of Thiruvananthapuram has gathered pace, according to minister for public works P. A. Muhammad Riyas.
The development of NH-66 in Kannur district, lying south of Kasaragod is progressing at a brisk pace. The total length of the highway passing through the district is 63.55 kms. The development works in the district are being carried out in two reaches of Karivalloor to Taliipparambu and Thalipparambu to Muzhuppilangad.
Levelling of land; clearing of vegetation and dismantling of buildings and other structures have been completed. The construction of Thalassery-Mahe bypass is in the final stage. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has acquired 200.56 hectares of land for widening of NH 66 till now. A sum of 2260 crore has been disbursed as compensation for the land acquired. Payyanur, Talipparambu, Kannur, Thalassery Mahe bypasses will be built as part of the six-laning. As many as four bridges, seven flyovers and ten viaducts are being constructed.
The bridges are Perumba, Kuppam, Kuttikkol and Pappinassery,-Thuruthi. Piling works are progressing. The city road development project for Kannur town is also progressing simultaneously. A sum of Rs 337.64 crore has been allotted for land acquisition and Rs 401.46 crore has been allotted for construction activities, said a press release. The work will be held in three phases.
