Kerala's National Highway 66 (NH 66) six-laning project is reaching its final stage, said P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Minister for Public Works. So far, 492.64 km have been widened into six lanes and opened to traffic. During a recent Assembly session on February 5, 2026, the Minister reported some construction defects emerging recently at various points. After these issues surfaced in the Mylakkadu (Kottiyam) area along the Kollam-Kadampattukonam stretch, the State asked the Union Ministry for a quality and safety check. The Chief Minister personally requested the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways to ensure timely completion without compromising standards. Following this, an expert committee inspected the highway stretches and recommended changes where needed. Ten agencies have been assigned to inspect 17 completed or ongoing sections of NH 66 in Kerala. A Comprehensive Geotechnical Study Programme was launched to conduct lab and soil tests on structures, especially those using Reinforced Soil (RS) Walls. NHAI plans to review the design and construction of these RS Walls. They may strengthen, redesign, or rebuild viaducts if required, based on expert and soil test reports. The Kerala government will also step in as needed to maintain road quality and safety. This careful approach ensures Kerala’s NH 66 project will be safe, reliable, and finished soon.