Thiruvananthapuram: Labour Minister Bindu Krishna on Monday directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to ensure the timely completion of ongoing development works on National Highway 66 in Kollam district. Following an inspection of various construction sites along the highway corridor, the minister announced that drainage channels would be constructed to prevent waterlogging on stretches of NH 66 that have experienced flooding and poor stormwater management during the widening works.
Reopening of Kallumthazham Road
Addressing concerns raised by residents and local traders, Minister Krishna stated that the Kallumthazham Road, which was closed to facilitate highway construction activities, would be reopened within a month. NHAI officials informed the minister that the ongoing work on the railway overbridge would also be completed within the same timeframe.
Traffic Restrictions and Monitoring
The minister assured that once the road is reopened, the current traffic restrictions would be lifted. She emphasized that any lapses or delays in project execution would be addressed through appropriate follow-up action. To closely monitor progress, a high-level review meeting involving elected representatives will be convened shortly.
The development comes as part of efforts to expedite the NH 66 widening project, which aims to improve connectivity and reduce travel time along the crucial coastal highway. The minister’s intervention underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring infrastructure projects are completed without undue delay, while also addressing public grievances related to waterlogging and road closures.
