Highway Illumination Drive Kicks Off for Vizhinjam Port's Imminent Launch
With the commencement of gateway cargo (EXIM) operations at the Vizhinjam International Seaport just a few months away, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is spearheading a crucial safety initiative. The authority has fast-tracked ambitious plans to install streetlights along the National Highway 66 stretch running from Kovalam to Karode, located near the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. This proactive measure is a direct response to the anticipated surge in cargo-truck traffic, aiming to safeguard motorists during night-time travel.
Timeline and Tender for a Safer Corridor
A senior NHAI official disclosed that the proposal for this extensive lighting project is currently in the works and is slated for completion by the end of December 2025. The tender process is scheduled for January 2026, a strategic move to prevent any delays in the installation. This initiative is a core component of a broader mission to elevate safety standards on this vital highway segment. The official emphasized that the decision was prompted by future traffic projections, noting that vehicle movement is expected to multiply significantly once the Tamil Nadu section from Karode to Kanyakumari becomes operational.
Immediate Connectivity and Additional Safety Measures
Complementing the lighting project, the temporary road link connecting the port to NH 66 is in its final stages and is expected to be open by the end of December. To ensure immediate illumination at this critical juncture, the port operator, the Adani Group, has already made provisions to install lights, including high-mast lights, at the temporary port-side road connection point. In a bid to enhance traffic flow and safety, NHAI has permitted approach roads and diversions via service roads and a vehicular underpass, avoiding the creation of a new median cut. Furthermore, the highway authority is considering the introduction of advanced alert systems and proper road markings to minimize accident risks as cargo movement intensifies.
Resolving a Long-Standing Civic Issue
The push for highway illumination has been a persistent challenge for local authorities. Earlier proposals by the city corporation to light up stretches between Kazhakkoottam and Kovalam using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds failed to materialize. A separate plan for median-lighting on the Akkulam–Thampuranmukku stretch with 120 streetlights also remained dormant. A corporation official expressed hope that the impending port-led traffic surge would finally catalyze the implementation of these lighting projects. A significant breakthrough occurred in August 2025, when the NHAI and the city corporation reached a consensus, with NHAI agreeing to repair and maintain the existing streetlights on the highway median. While the corporation had proposed a revenue-sharing model involving advertising on light poles, NHAI rejected it, adhering to its policy against advertisements.
