Outer Ring Road revised alignment likely to get environmental clearance soon

Thiruvananthapuram: Vizhinjam–Navaikulam Outer Ring Road project has received a fresh push, with Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) expected to grant environmental clearance (EC) for the revised alignment later this month. It would clear a key hurdle for the ambitious highway corridor planned for the capital region.National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said Centre earlier withdrew the environmental clearance granted for the Vizhinjam–Thekkada stretch after changes were made to the detailed project report (DPR). The revision was carried out to address environmental concerns and modify the alignment in certain sections, including the addition of tunnels. As part of a fresh appraisal process, MoEFCC appointed Ultratech Environmental Consultancy and Laboratory to conduct an environmental survey along the proposed corridor. The EC for the first section was granted in 2023. According to sources, the consultancy firm completed the field study last week and will submit its report to the Union ministry on Tuesday. Following this, the proposal is expected to be taken up by Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee at a high-level meeting likely to be held this week. The committee's approval is a crucial step before the project moves towards financial closure and final clearances. NHAI officials said the project was progressing as planned despite speculation that it might be delayed due to the upcoming assembly elections. "The election model code of conduct will not affect the ongoing procedural steps or the progress of the project," a senior NHAI official said, dismissing reports that the authority decided to keep the project on hold until a new govt assumes office in the state. Once the EC is obtained, land acquisition process and compensation payments to affected landowners are expected to begin. Action council convener S Chandramohan Nair said NHAI officials assured residents that compensation would be disbursed soon after the environmental clearance was granted. The proposed Outer Ring Road, notified as NH 866, is a key infrastructure project aimed at improving connectivity to Vizhinjam International Seaport and easing traffic congestion in and around the state capital. It will connect Vizhinjam on the southern coast to Navaikulam near the Kollam border, passing through several suburban areas. The project, estimated to cost over Rs 8,000 crore, is planned as a six-lane highway corridor with service roads. The road is expected to run for about 62–80km through 30 villages, including Balaramapuram, Malayinkeezhu, Nedumangad and Vembayam, and will form part of the Centre's Bharatmala Pariyojana highway development programme.