PM Modi Inaugurates Rs 17.04 Bn NH-66 Stretch in Kerala

16 Mar 2026 CW Team

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Thalappady–Chengala stretch of National Highway 66 in Kerala, marking a key milestone in the upgradation of the western coastal highway corridor. Built at a cost of Rs 17.04 billion, the 39-km six-lane highway strengthens connectivity in northern Kerala and forms part of the larger NH-66 expansion programme in the state.

The project was executed by Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS) and is the first among the 23 NH-66 stretches in Kerala to be completed. Construction began in November 2021 and was completed in August 2025, after which the stretch was handed over to the National Highways Authority of India and opened to traffic. ULCCS is the only Kerala-based organisation to have secured a contract for the NH-66 upgrade programme.

The highway includes notable engineering features such as the country’s longest single-pillar six-lane bridge built using a box girder system. The project was also recognised with the National Highways Excellence Award 2023 from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

During construction, ULCCS incorporated several environmental initiatives including transplanting mature trees and planting saplings from a rare 40-year-old mango tree. Work at the site was also temporarily paused for nearly 55 days to allow the safe hatching of python eggs discovered during construction.

The completion of the Thalappady–Chengala stretch is expected to improve traffic movement along NH-66 and enhance the transportation of goods and passengers along India’s western coastal corridor.

Real Estate

03 Apr 2026

Loomcraft Enters South India with Kerala Store Launch

Loomcraft has launched its exclusive store in Kerala, marking its entry into South India and a key step in its nationwide expansion strategy. The move targets a region driven by tourism and premium real estate demand, where outdoor spaces play a central role in hospitality and residential experiences.Kerala’s growing base of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, villas and gated communities has created strong demand for specialised outdoor furniture. However, the region has remained underserved, with buyers relying on imports or generic products not suited to humid, coastal and monsoon-heavy cond..

Mild Steel Prices Seen Rising to Rs 61,000 Per Tonne

Mild steel prices in India, currently around Rs 58,000 per tonne, are expected to rise to nearly Rs 61,000 per tonne in April, indicating an increase of about Rs 3,000 per tonne. The anticipated rise reflects structural pressures driven by geopolitical tensions, energy constraints and limited raw material availability.Ongoing global conflict has disrupted energy markets, leading to LNG shortages that are affecting domestic steel production. Small and mid-sized manufacturers, particularly those dependent on gas-based processes, are witnessing production cuts due to constrained energy supply, re..

Vedanta Expands Transgender Workforce to 75 Employees

Vedanta has strengthened its commitment to workplace inclusion by employing 75 transgender individuals across its businesses, including Vedanta Aluminium, Hindustan Zinc, Sesa Goa, FACOR and Cairn Oil & Gas. The initiative reflects sustained hiring efforts since 2022 to build equitable opportunities across operations, corporate and technical roles.Transgender employees are engaged in functions such as operations, finance, logistics, HR, CSR, healthcare and security, with provisions for internal mobility to support career progression. The company has implemented structured policies, includi..