Final stretch of NH-66 set to transform Vizhinjam and Kochi Ports, along with Industrial Corridors

KOCHI : National Highway 66, which connects the northern and southern parts of Kerala, will pave the way for a boom in the sectors of commerce, industry and tourism in addition to infrastructure development

The ambitious widening and modernization of National Highway 66 (NH-66), India’s key coastal corridor, has entered its final phase, marking a major step toward seamless connectivity across the western coast. Once completed, the highway will serve as a critical economic and logistics lifeline, linking ports, industrial clusters, and hinterland regions across Kerala and neighboring states.

Stretching from Panvel in Maharashtra to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, NH-66 passes through the heart of Kerala, connecting major maritime hubs such as Vizhinjam, Kochi, and Beypore Ports. The completion of this multi-lane expressway is expected to significantly reduce travel time, enhance cargo movement efficiency, and boost port-led industrial growth in the region.

For the upcoming Vizhinjam International Seaport, NH-66 provides a vital link to the hinterland and national markets, facilitating faster cargo evacuation and trade connectivity. Similarly, Kochi Port and its associated industrial zones stand to benefit from improved road infrastructure and streamlined logistics access.

Officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways noted that the remaining stretches are progressing rapidly, with enhanced focus on safety, quality, and environmental compliance. The upgraded corridor will not only ease passenger travel but also strengthen coastal trade, tourism, and regional development, supporting India’s broader vision of integrated transport connectivity.

Strengthening industrial corridors
The highway is strategically linked to the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. While the industrial corridor is being developed along NH 544 from Kochi Edappally to Walayar, NH 66 will further boost enterprises, particularly in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts. The road will also benefit IT parks in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, with positive implications for healthcare, real estate, industry, and logistics sectors.