Landmark ORR Project Hits ₹3,800 Crore Hurdle in Thiruvananthapuram

The long-delayed Outer Ring Road (ORR) project in Thiruvananthapuram—linking Vizhinjam to Navaikulam via Thekkada—has hit a major roadblock as land acquisition costs have surged from ₹1,800 crore to ₹3,800 crore. Official sources indicate that the revised estimate is only valid until August, beyond which costs are expected to rise further if compensation is not disbursed promptly.

Under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, affected landowners are entitled to 12% annual interest on delayed payments, calculated from the date of land possession to the date of compensation. The project requires 314 hectares across 24 villages and has already faced a delay of over three years, leaving many landowners without payment.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has updated the acquisition estimates in accordance with current legal provisions. Officials warn that continued inaction will lead to further cost escalation. While 3D notifications (land acquisition notices) have been issued for 11 villages, the remainder are still pending. Following a recent meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Kerala PWD Minister P.A. Mohammad Riyas announced that final approval for the project is expected by the end of July.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.