NHAI faces flak over pothole-ridden service roads on NH 66 bypass

The Story in Brief

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is facing criticism over the poor condition of service roads on the 17-km Edappally-Aroor NH 66 bypass, the busiest national highway corridor in Kerala. Motorists and pedestrians have been affected by inordinate delays in building two flyover-cum-underpasses near Edappally, severely potholed service roads, and confusing diversions, residents said. A senior traffic police officer told The Hindu that NHAI has not repaired potholes despite collecting tolls.

NHAI sources attributed the flyover delay to a design change that adds three spans to each flyover for a dedicated pedestrian underpass, increasing total length by 180 metres. They said efforts are under way to repair damaged service roads and potholes on the main carriageway.