Following Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari’s assurance of granting final approval by July, the much-anticipated outer ring road (ORR) project in Thiruvananthapuram has gained momentum

PWD Minister PA Mohamed Riyas confirmed the Centre’s clearance and stated the official order will be issued by the end of July.

The Rs 4,767 crore initiative is aimed at decongesting city traffic and improving connectivity to the Vizhinjam International Seaport. 

In December 2024, the Centre had asked the state government to revise the Detailed Project Report (DPR), incorporating SGST exemptions and amendments to mining laws. The revised DPR was submitted in January 2025. 

“We support development but not at the cost of our rightful compensation,” said action council convenor S Chandramohan Nair. 

The 80km, six-lane ORR, part of CRDP-II under Bharatmala Pariyojana, will be designated NH 866.