The Central Government is poised to table proposals for the proposed Vizhinjam?Navaikulam Outer Ring Road before the Union Cabinet, with the project having earlier received environmental clearance. The file is currently with the Union Ministry of Surface Transport and further procedural steps will depend on Cabinet approval. Only if the Union Cabinet approves the project will land acquisition and compensation payment be expedited.

The road has been redesignated as a single project of 62.7 km after earlier plans to construct it in two reaches between Vizhinjam and Thekkada and between Thekkada and Navaikulam. The Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee had recommended the scheme and authorities have reaffirmed the technical scope and alignment. The consolidated approach is expected to streamline construction planning and scheduling.

The project is estimated to cost around Rs 125495 million (mn) in total. The estimated cost excluding GST is around Rs 68570 mn and various pre?construction activities are projected at about Rs 12670 mn. Land acquisition has been estimated at Rs 44500 mn, of which the state will bear half, approximately Rs 22250 mn, and the state will also meet the construction cost of the service road, about Rs 4340 mn.

Planned works include 17 tunnels with a combined length of four point six two five km, 50 viaducts totalling 10.53 km, six flyovers, two large bridges and 17 small bridges along the route. The design also provides for 144 box culverts, 128 cross?road culverts, one railway overpass and a 103 km service road. Ramps at seven points will give access to and from the main carriageway and detailed estimates will guide subsequent land and construction planning.