Delays Persist in Outer Ring Road Project Clearance
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Delays Persist in Outer Ring Road Project Clearance

Confusion and delays continue to hinder progress on the long-stalled Outer Ring Road (ORR) project, as compensation to affected landowners is now unlikely to be disbursed by the previously promised deadline of 31 July. Public Works Department Minister P. A. Mohammad Riyas had earlier announced that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) would receive final approval from the Centre by the end of July, following discussions with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Official sources confirmed that a team from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will visit the state next week. “The NHAI has sought revisions in the ORR alignment, particularly in sections passing through hilly terrain,” said a senior official.
However, several landowners have raised serious concerns. K. Raveendran Nair, one of the affected individuals, alleged that the DPR—required to initiate compensation disbursal—remains incomplete. He further claimed the state violated norms by acquiring land without proper approvals, stating, “For PPP projects, consent from at least 70 per cent of landowners is mandatory. That has not happened here. The 3A notification issued is illegal.”
Citing a Right to Information (RTI) document, Nair argued that the ORR project has seen no significant progress in two years, and the government lacks legal grounds to acquire land at this stage.
In December 2024, the Centre asked the state to revise the DPR to include SGST exemptions and amendments to mining regulations. The revised DPR, valued at Rs 147.67 billion, was submitted in January 2025. The ORR aims to ease urban congestion and enhance access to the Vizhinjam International Seaport.
Chandramohanan Nair, Chairman of the Outer Ring Road Vizhinjam-Navayikulam Janakeeya Samiti, said, “We’ve met all relevant authorities, who assured us compensation will begin next month. The PWD Secretary confirmed that final clearance would follow the NHAI inspection.”

Confusion and delays continue to hinder progress on the long-stalled Outer Ring Road (ORR) project, as compensation to affected landowners is now unlikely to be disbursed by the previously promised deadline of 31 July. Public Works Department Minister P. A. Mohammad Riyas had earlier announced that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) would receive final approval from the Centre by the end of July, following discussions with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.Official sources confirmed that a team from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will visit the state next week. “The NHAI has sought revisions in the ORR alignment, particularly in sections passing through hilly terrain,” said a senior official.However, several landowners have raised serious concerns. K. Raveendran Nair, one of the affected individuals, alleged that the DPR—required to initiate compensation disbursal—remains incomplete. He further claimed the state violated norms by acquiring land without proper approvals, stating, “For PPP projects, consent from at least 70 per cent of landowners is mandatory. That has not happened here. The 3A notification issued is illegal.”Citing a Right to Information (RTI) document, Nair argued that the ORR project has seen no significant progress in two years, and the government lacks legal grounds to acquire land at this stage.In December 2024, the Centre asked the state to revise the DPR to include SGST exemptions and amendments to mining regulations. The revised DPR, valued at Rs 147.67 billion, was submitted in January 2025. The ORR aims to ease urban congestion and enhance access to the Vizhinjam International Seaport.Chandramohanan Nair, Chairman of the Outer Ring Road Vizhinjam-Navayikulam Janakeeya Samiti, said, “We’ve met all relevant authorities, who assured us compensation will begin next month. The PWD Secretary confirmed that final clearance would follow the NHAI inspection.” 

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Coal Ministry Achieves Milestones under Special Campaign 5.0

The Ministry of Coal and its Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) have achieved notable milestones under the Special Campaign 5.0, focusing on cleanliness, operational efficiency, and sustainability across the coal sector. During the implementation phase from 2–31 October 2025, over 1,205 sites were cleaned, covering 68,04,087 sq ft, nearing the target of 82,51,511 sq ft. Scrap disposal of 5,813 MT against a target of 8,678 MT generated Rs 228.7 million in revenue. In addition, 1,11,248 physical and 30,331 electronic files were reviewed, with 74,123 weeded out or closed. Key initiatives showc..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Vesting Orders Issued for Three Coal Blocks under Commercial Auctions

The Ministry of Coal’s Nominated Authority has issued vesting orders for three coal blocks under commercial coal block auctions on 23 October 2025. The Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements (CMDPAs) for these mines were earlier signed on 21 August 2025. The three blocks include Rajgamar Dipside (Deavnara), Tangardihi North, and Mahuagarhi. Of these, two are partially explored while one is fully explored, with a combined peak rated capacity of around 1 MTPA and geological reserves of approximately 1,484.41 million tonnes. These mines are expected to generate annual revenue of abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

TEC, IIT-Hyderabad Partner to Boost 6G and Telecom Standards

The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad) for joint research and technical collaboration in advanced telecom technologies and standardisation. The partnership focuses on developing India-specific standards and test frameworks for next-generation networks, including 6G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). It also aims to enhance India’s participation in international standardisation f..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?
2