The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will fully fund a ₹42.6-crore project to eliminate persistent waterlogging along National Highway 66 in Kollam and Alappuzha districts. Recognising that blocked natural streams, shifting land-use patterns, and poor drainage networks outside highway limits trigger severe flooding on the stretch, the authority has resolved to bear the complete cost of connecting highway outfalls to nearest natural discharge channels.

Of the total sanctioned amount, ₹28.55 crore has been allocated for Kollam district and ₹14.05 crore for Alappuzha district. The funds will be deployed for extensive drainage works along two major stretches of NH 66 — the Paravoor–Kottukulangara and Kottukulangara–Kollam border sections. The initiative is expected to bring immediate relief to commuters and residents in flood-prone hubs, including Punnapra, Ambalappuzha, Haripad, Kayamkulam, Oachira, Karunagappally, and Chavara.

The decision comes on the heels of three high-level joint sessions with the State Government — held on January 16, May 13, and July 15 — where district administrations were asked to draft localised drainage estimates. The allocation forms part of a broader, phased clearance drive where funds are released upon reviewing location-specific estimates provided by local authorities. Previously, a combined sum of ₹89.54 crore was cleared for flood-mitigation works in Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kollam, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

To ensure a lasting solution, the estimates and field-level blueprints are being prepared directly by LSGD engineers and district-level technical teams. Leveraging their familiarity with local topography and drainage behavior, these teams have mapped out an integrated network tailored to resolve site-specific challenges and manage water flow sustainably. The sanctioned funds will be disbursed through the respective District Collectors’ offices, while execution will be handled by Local Self-Government Institutions (LSGIs) or designated State departments.

Published - August 13, 2026 06:31 pm IST