Delays continue to cloud the Outer Ring Road (ORR) project as the disbursal of compensation to affected landowners is now unlikely to occur by the previously set deadline of 31 July. Despite assurances from Public Works Minister P A Mohammad Riyas following discussions with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the final approval for the Detailed Project Report (DPR) remains pending.

According to officials, a team from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is expected to visit the state next week. The authority has proposed revisions to the ORR route through hilly regions, which may further postpone final clearance. Meanwhile, NHAI sources noted that the DPR is still under review.

K Raveendran Nair, a landowner affected by the project, alleged that the government has begun land acquisition without securing mandatory approvals. “Under PPP guidelines, consent from 70 per cent of landowners is required, which has not been obtained. The 3A notification issued is illegal,” he claimed, adding that RTI documents show no project progress over the past two years.

The Rs 147.67 billion project aims to ease traffic congestion and improve access to the Vizhinjam International Seaport. In December, the Centre instructed the state to revise the DPR to include SGST exemptions and changes to mining laws. The updated DPR was submitted in January 2025.

Chandramohanan Nair, chairman of the Outer Ring Road Vizhinjam-Navayikulam Janakeeya Samiti, said officials have promised that compensation will begin once the NHAI team completes its visit. The Public Works Department secretary also confirmed that approval is expected soon after.