NHAI invites tender for Vizhinjam–Navaikulam Outer Ring Road Project

In support of the Vizhinjam-Navaikulam Outer Ring Road (ORR) project, which is expected to emerge as a hotspot corridor for port-related industrialization and investment in the state, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has invited tenders for the ₹8,004.72 crore Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project. According to the tender notice issued on June 5, interested companies can download the tender documents by August 6 and online bids will be opened on August 7.

The 62.7-km four-lane road to be built from Vizhinjam to Navaikulam will open new avenues for port-related development in the capital region after the project is completed. NHAI launched the tender process after the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) approved the project. The ORR is envisioned as a state-of-the-art, mostly greenfield road corridor connecting Vizhinjam Port at the southern end and Navaikulam at the northern end.

The state has also allocated its share of funds for the purchase of land for the project. The funds were allocated after representatives of the landowners who had provided land for the project met the Chief Minister personally along with MLAs the other day and raised the issue. After the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the public works department will issue an order soon. With the state approving its share, the Center can now expedite the project, according to officials. So far, 100 hectares have been acquired in 11 villages, with around 200 hectares more to be acquired from 13 villages.

Earlier, delays in reaching a consensus on cost sharing between Kerala and the Center for land acquisition for the project, including the main road and service roads, had hampered its progress. The road project is expected to bring significant economic development to underserved regions through which the new highway passes. A satellite town is also planned along the corridor as part of the comprehensive master development plan for the Outer Area Growth Corridor (OAGC), which has been conceptualized for a zone of influence extending 2.5 km on both sides of the ORR.

Published – 09 Jun 2026 0:31 IST