The crucial highway expansion project connecting Kazhakkoottam and Kadampattukonam on National Highway 66 faces a significant one-year delay due to relentless monsoon conditions that have plagued construction efforts throughout the past two months.
Weather Woes Disrupt Construction Timeline
The completion deadline has been officially pushed from May 2026 to December 2026 after continuous rainfall severely hampered progress on this vital infrastructure project. Project authorities confirmed the revised timeline while acknowledging the weather-related challenges that have drastically reduced work pace.
Pune-based RKC Infrastructure Ltd, which secured the subcontract through RDS Projects Ltd in May, has managed to achieve approximately 52% progress despite the adverse conditions. However, the construction pace has slowed considerably due to waterlogging across multiple work zones and disruptions in material supply chains.
Critical Corridor Remains Incomplete
This particular section of NH 66 represents the only remaining highway work within the district and serves as a critical transportation corridor linking the state capital with northern districts. The strategic importance of this route has heightened expectations for its early completion.
Contractors working on-site revealed that at least seven consecutive sunny days are necessary to resume full-scale construction activities. Even in areas where construction sites remained relatively dry, quarry zones supplying essential earth and aggregates experienced heavy downpours, creating supply chain bottlenecks that forced work stoppages.
Record Rainfall Creates Multiple Challenges
The region witnessed exceptionally heavy rainfall this year, with official records showing 161 rainy days between April and November. This unprecedented weather pattern has not only delayed groundwork but also raised serious concerns about soil stability and compaction quality.
Severe water accumulation at multiple sites required continuous pumping operations, adding another layer of complexity and delay to the already challenged project timeline. A National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official acknowledged the significant impact of rainfall on project scheduling while confirming that efforts are underway to reorganize work patterns for better efficiency.
The official refrained from committing to a definitive new deadline, stating only that completion would occur "as soon as possible" given the circumstances.
Progress Amidst Adversity
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the project has seen notable achievements in key areas. Two underpasses at Chempakamangalam and Pathinaram mile have been completed and opened to traffic, providing some relief to motorists navigating the construction zones.
Connectivity has improved significantly with vehicles now utilizing the service road stretch from Chempakamangalam to Mangalapuram. In another positive development, girders are being rapidly installed on the elevated section at Vettuthura, while construction of the flyover at CRPF junction has been fully completed.
Work continues steadily on widening the six-lane section from Kallambalam to Thattupalam, with service roads in both directions along this segment already operational and handling traffic flow.
