Parliament Question: Approval for Outer Ring Road Project in Kerala

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3098 ANSWERED ON 06TH AUGUST, 2026 APPROVAL FOR OUTER RING ROAD PROJECT IN KERALA 3098. ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH: Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government proposes to take fast-track measures for granting final approval to the Vizhinjam–Navaikulam Outer Ring Road project in Kerala considering the inordinate delay, if so, the details thereof; (b) the measures taken by the Government to expedite environmental clearance for the said project; (c) the present status of the proposal submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for environmental clearance; (d) whether the Government is aware that, due to delay in disbursement of compensation, around 6,500 families who have handed over their land and properties have been facing difficulties during the last four years; and (e) whether the Government proposes to take necessary measures for resolving the issues and expeditious execution of the project, if so, the details thereof?ANSWER THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS (SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI) (a) & (e) For development of Greenfield Highway between Vizhinjam and Navaikkulam Outer Ring Road Project, the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been prepared. Based upon the experince in implementing the project agumentation for National Highway 66 (NH 66), the DPR was reviewed to minimise hill cutting with provisions of tunnels & Viaducts. The decision on investment shall be taken considering fulfilment of criterion, traffic density and synergy with PM Gati Shakti. (b) & (c) Environment Appraisal Committee of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the meeting held on 15th-16th July, 2026 considered and deferred the proposal for want of certain information. (d) The land for the project for National Highway (NH) is acquired as per National Highway Act, 1956 and the compensation is arrived at in accordance with applicable provisions of Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act 2013, to be paid after the project is approved by the Competent Authority. *****