No blanket ban on bikes and autos on six-lane NH 66 in Kerala

KOCHI: No blanket ban will be enforced on bikes and autorickshaws along the widened NH 66 corridors in the state, according to a senior official with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). As per the general Indian Roads Congress (IRC) codes, the entry of such small vehicles is not allowed on major expressways and six-lane highways for instance, the Dwarka Expressway in the national capital. However, it will be a different scenario in Kerala, where there will be no blanket ban on entry of two-and three-wheelers when the ongoing widening of the NH 66 into six-lane is completed, the official, working in the capacity of project director, said. A main reason is the width of the NH-66 stretches. The IRC codes specify that the restriction can be implemented in six-lane highways with a minimum width of 60 m, as in the case in most other states. However, here its only 45 m, the official said. Further, while the central agency is developing service roads along the 644-km stretch being widened from Thalappady (Kasaragod) to Mukkola (Thiruvananthapuram), sufficient width is not available at many places. At certain locations, service roads are entirely absent. However, vehicles cant just enter the carriageway from any point. Also, there will be no U-turns or traffic signals along the entire NH 66 stretch. Instead we are providing sufficient underpasses. In some sections, we are constructing underpasses just 200-400 m apart, like in Koonammavu, the official said. Also, a blanket ban will adversely affect the people in the state, where two-wheelers form the majority of the vehicular population, the official cited. How could these high numbers be accommodated if we close the main carriageway, as the service roads will be grossly inadequate in that case, he said. Earlier, there were reports of the NHAI planning to restrict entry of two- and-three wheelers, and tractors on stretches like Ramanattukara-Valanchery and Kazhakuttom-Karode. There will be no restriction on most of the stretches. Any decision on banning such vehicle entry will be based on local topography and the availability of service roads, the NHAI official said. NHAI to establish more toll plazas across state The same will be decided after the widening activities, which are now expected to be completed by June next year, the NHAI official said. The time-saving by the quick travel through the six-lane highway will come at a price, as the NHAI is set to establish more toll plazas across the state. Certainly, more toll plazas will come across the state, at places like Alappuzha (Kripasanam and Eramalloor -- elevated highway), and Kollam, in addition to the existing facilities, the official pointed out. Highway work Original completion date: Dec 31, 2025 Estimated completion: June 30, 2026 Designed speed of widened NH: 100 kmph Total kms being widened: 644 km (From Thalappady (Kasaragod) to Mukkola (TPuram) Total stretches of work: 22