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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a comprehensive drainage initiative to address recurring flooding and waterlogging along NH-66 in Ernakulam, expanding a wider flood mitigation programme being implemented across Kerala. The project aims to improve connectivity between highway drains and natural water channels, tackling one of the key causes of monsoon flooding. By working with district administrations and local bodies, NHAI hopes to strengthen climate resilience, protect highway infrastructure and provide long-term relief to residents living along the busy national highway corridor.
Recurring monsoon flooding has become one of the biggest operational challenges along Kerala's NH-66, affecting commuters, nearby residents and highway infrastructure alike. To address the issue, the National Highways Authority of India has initiated a dedicated drainage project in Ernakulam while simultaneously expanding a state-wide drainage improvement programme across multiple districts. Rather than focusing only on highway drains, the new approach seeks to restore the complete drainage network by linking the highway's stormwater system with surrounding natural watercourses and local drainage channels.
NHAI's intervention follows repeated instances of waterlogging along stretches of NH-66 during heavy rainfall, where blocked natural drains, rapid urbanisation and altered land-use patterns have prevented stormwater from flowing efficiently. The authority has identified that many flooding issues originate beyond the highway boundary, making external drainage connectivity an essential part of the solution rather than improvements within the carriageway alone.
To tackle these challenges, NHAI will finance the construction of drainage links connecting highway outlets with nearby natural drains, canals and water bodies. The authority has committed to bearing the full cost of these connectivity works as part of a broader flood mitigation strategy developed in coordination with district administrations and the Kerala government. The integrated approach is expected to improve stormwater discharge while reducing flooding in adjoining residential areas.
As part of the wider programme, NHAI has already approved a drainage package worth INR 34.8 crore covering Thrissur, Malappuram and Kollam districts. The sanctioned amount includes INR 14.92 crore for Thrissur, INR 10.91 crore for Malappuram and INR 8.97 crore for Kollam, while estimates for similar works in other districts, including Ernakulam, continue to undergo technical scrutiny for future approvals.
The drainage proposals have been prepared through detailed field assessments conducted by engineers from the Local Self Government Department (LSGD) and district-level technical teams. Their surveys considered local terrain, existing drainage patterns and site-specific constraints to develop long-term solutions capable of handling changing hydrological conditions rather than temporary flood-control measures.
According to NHAI, the original concession agreements for NH-66 primarily catered to stormwater generated from the highway carriageway. However, rapid urban development, encroachments and changes in surrounding drainage systems have significantly increased runoff into the highway corridor over the years. The authority's revised strategy therefore extends beyond the highway itself, integrating external drainage systems to create a more comprehensive and climate-resilient network.
Implementation of the approved works will be coordinated through the respective District Collectors' offices, while execution will be undertaken by Local Self Government Institutions or other designated state agencies. NHAI expects this decentralised execution model to improve coordination, accelerate project delivery and ensure that drainage improvements benefit both highway users and communities living alongside NH-66 during future monsoon seasons.
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