Comprehensive drainage package approved for NH 66 across Kerala

To tackle persistent waterlogging and flooding along National Highway (NH) 66 ahead of the monsoon season, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved a comprehensive ₹34.8 crore financial package. This fund is being strategically distributed to improve drainage infrastructure in surrounding areas, with ₹14.92 crore allocated to Thrissur district, ₹10.91 crore to Malappuram district, and ₹8.97 crore to Kollam district. Meanwhile, technical scrutiny and estimate preparations are actively progressing in other districts to secure subsequent approvals.

According to the NHAI, many drainage problems originate outside the National Highway perimeter due to blocked natural drains, altered land-use patterns, and inadequate connectivity to nearby discharge channels. In response, the NHAI convened a high-level meeting with the State government, requesting district administrations to prepare location-specific estimates through relevant departments. As part of a comprehensive flood mitigation effort, the NHAI will fully fund the construction costs required to connect highway drainage outlets to the nearest natural water bodies.

This initiative is expected to provide major relief to residents along the highway corridor who endure recurring flooding and water stagnation during heavy rainfall. By designing an integrated drainage network based on detailed field assessments, the proposed works aim not only to safeguard highway infrastructure and service roads but also to protect nearby residential areas, ultimately enhancing public safety and convenience during the monsoon. To ensure sustainable, long-term water flow management, the estimates and field-level proposals are being prepared by Local Self-Governments department (LSGD) engineers and district technical teams, leveraging their specialized knowledge of local terrain, drainage behavior, and site-specific challenges.

Officials point out that rapid urbanisation, encroachments, alterations in natural drainage patterns and increased runoff from adjacent areas have significantly altered the hydrological conditions surrounding the highway corridor. In response to these evolving challenges, the NHAI and district administrations have initiated a broader, more holistic drainage management approach that extends well beyond the highway boundary. Following detailed technical evaluations and revised cost assessments, it has been decided that the sanctioned funds will be managed directly through the respective District Collectors’ offices. The physical execution of the link drainage works, which connect to the nearest natural outfalls, will be carried out by local self-government institutions or other departments designated by the State or district administration. This coordinated implementation mechanism is expected to ensure faster project execution and superior local coordination.