The Kerala government will write to the Centre to speed up approval for the outer ring road (ORR) near Vizhinjam seaport. Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas said he will “once again” press for urgent permission for the Vizhinjam-Navaikulam ORR. The state has agreed to share 50% of land acquisition costs and bear all service road expenses, committing ₹1,629.24 crore. Kerala also offered to waive its GST and royalty on construction materials. Despite these steps, the Centre’s final nod is still pending. The Chief Minister personally urged the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways three times in 2024-25. The Ministry wants a detailed study due to recent issues on National Highway 66. An expert agency is checking if tunnels or other solutions can work in tricky areas. The final project report is due in February 2026. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) says environmental clearance is underway, with final approval pending MoRTH and funding priorities. Minister Riyas said the Centre will be asked again to speed up the process and give urgent clearance.