National Highway 66 (India)

{{short description|North–south high-capacity road in India}} {{For | the old National Highway 66|National Highway 66 (India, old numbering)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2017}} {{Use Indian English|date=March 2017}} {{infobox road | country = IND | type = NH | route = 66 | spur_type = NH | spur_of = | previous_type = NH | previous_route = 65 | next_type = NH | next_route = 166 | alternate_name = | map = {{Maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-width=300|frame-height=300|zoom=5|frame-lat=13.574 |frame-long=75.35222|frame-align=center|type=line|id=Q3520609 | stroke-width=3|title=National Highway 66}} | map_custom = yes | map_notes = Map of the National Highway in red | length_km = 1640| | ahn = {{Jct|country=IND|AH|20}} | allocation = | direction_a = North | terminus_a = {{jct|NH|48|country=IND}} in Panvel, MH | junction = {{plainlist|  * {{jct|NH|166|country=IND}} in Ratnagiri, MH * {{jct|NH|166E|country=IND}} in Guhagar, MH * {{jct|NH|548H|country=IND}} in Banda, MH * {{jct|NH|748|country=IND}} in Panjim, GA * {{jct|NH|52|country=IND}} in Ankola, KA *{{jct|NH|766E|country=IND}} in kumta,KA * {{jct|NH|69|country=IND}} in Honnavar, KA * {{jct|NH|75|country=IND}} in Mangaluru, KA * {{jct|state=Kerala|SH|30|country=IND}} in Thalassery, KL * {{jct|NH|766|NH|966|country=IND}} in Kozhikode, KL * {{jct|NH|966A|NH|544|NH|966B|NH|85|country=IND}} in Kochi, KL * {{jct|NH|183|NH|744|country=IND}} in Kollam, KL }} | direction_b = South | terminus_b = {{jct|NH|44|country=IND}} in Kanyakumari, TN | states = {{plainlist| * Maharashtra: {{convert|475|km|mi|abbr=on}} * Goa: {{convert|137|km|mi|abbr=on}} * Karnataka: {{convert|294|km|mi|abbr=on}} * Kerala: {{convert|678|km|mi|abbr=on}} * Tamil Nadu: {{convert|56|km|mi|abbr=on}} }} | destinations = }}

'''National Highway 66''', commonly referred to as '''NH 66''' (erstwhile '''NH-17''' and a part of NH-47),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.justkerala.in/tourism/transportation/kerala-national-highways&ved=0ahUKEwiuuqbf3IHXAhVHPI8KHcZCC3kQFgh_MAk&usg=AOvVaw3bm6qxkVuEI-eRJT3zynJx|title=Kerala National Highways - National Highways in Kerala | work=Just Kerala}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}}</ref> is a mostly 4 lane 1640 km (1020 miles) long busy National Highway that runs roughly north–south along the western coast of India, parallel to the Western Ghats. It connects Panvel, a city east of Mumbai to Kanyakumari via Mangaluru, passing through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Also the road passes through Mahe district, the third district of Puducherry (union territory).

The highway is undergoing a major overhaul in Kerala, where the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is developing a six-lane national highway of international standard with a width of 45 metres. The complete 645-km stretch from Thalappady at the Karnataka border to Karode at the Tamil Nadu border is being widened to six lanes as part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/Dec/18/revised-timeline-for-nh-66-in-kerala-pegs-completion-by-mid-2026 |title=Revised timeline for NH-66 in Kerala pegs completion by mid-2026 |work=The New Indian Express |date=2025-12-18}}</ref> In March 2026, major sections including the Thalappady–Chengala stretch and the Kozhikode Bypass were inaugurated, significantly easing coastal connectivity.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXHNkPv1EYc |title=Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Major NH Projects in Keralam |publisher=NHAI Official |date=2026-03-11}}</ref> Although the project faced unique challenges due to Kerala's high population density and land costs, leading to a reduced 45-metre right-of-way compared to the national 60-metre standard, the state government has supported the expansion by covering 25% of the land acquisition costs.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pwd.kerala.gov.in/IMF_website/Wings/nh.php?id=ODI=&id_ml=TUw= |title=National Highway Wing |publisher=Kerala PWD |access-date=2026-05-01}}</ref> Most remaining stretches are slated for completion by mid-2026.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/route-travel-queries/288231-nh-66-kerala-status-updates-6-lane-conversion-10.html |title=NH 66 in Kerala - Status and Updates on 6-Lane Conversion |work=Team-BHP |date=2026-03-15}}</ref>

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India has proposed a greenfield (i.e., new and parallel) access controlled expressway corridor connecting the port cities of Mangaluru-Karwar-Panaji as part of the Indian National Expressway Network.<ref name=":0" /> This expressway will be parallel to NH-66 and will be mainly located in coastal Karnataka. It is expected to be a 6/8 lane access-controlled 3D right-of-way designed expressway.

== Route description == It starts at Panvel, at the junction of National Highway 48 (old NH4), and ends at Kanyakumari. NH-66 mainly traverses through the west coast of India, sometimes touching the shores of the Arabian Sea. The NH-66 touches the Arabian Sea at Maravanthe in Karnataka, Thalassery, and Alappuzha in Kerala. It passes through the Indian states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.  The National Highway 66 (previously numbered NH-17) connects cities, towns, and major villages of different states as follows: ;Maharashtra '''Panvel''', Pen, Mangaon, Mahad, Poladpur, Khed, Chiplun, Sangameshwar, Ratnagiri, Lanja, Rajapur, Kanakvali, Kudal, Sawantwadi. ;Goa '''Panaji''', Margao. ;Karnataka Karawar, Ankola, Kumta, Honnavar, Manki, Murudeshwara, Bhatkal, Shiroor, Bainduru, Uppunda, Kirimanjeshwara, Navunda, Maravanthe, Hemmadi, Tallur<nowiki/>u, Kundapura, Koteshwar<nowiki/>a, Kota, Saligrama, Brahmavara, Udupi, Kapu, Padubidri, Mulki, Surathkal, '''Mangaluru''', Thokottu, Ullal, Kotekar, Talapady. ;Kerala Uppala, '''Kasaragod''', Kanhangad, Payyannur Pariyaram, Taliparamba, Dharmashala, '''Kannur''', Dharmadam, Thalassery, '''Mahe''', Vatakara, Payyoli, Koyilandi, '''Kozhikode''', Ramanattukara, Tenhipalam, Kottakkal, Puthanathani, Valanchery, Kuttippuram, Thavanur, Ponnani, Chavakkad, Vadanappally, Kodungallur, Moothakunnam, North Paravur, Koonammavu, Varapuzha, Cheranallur, Edappally, '''Kochi''', Aroor, Cherthala, '''Alappuzha''', Ambalapuzha, Haripad, Kayamkulam, Karunagappally, Chavara, Neendakara, '''Kollam''', Mevaram, Kottiyam, Chathannoor, Kallambalam, Attingal, Kazhakkoottam, '''Thiruvananthapuram''', Balaramapuram, Neyyattinkara, Parassala. ;Tamil Nadu Marthandam, Nagercoil and '''Kanyakumari.'''

== Major intersections == {| class="plainrowheaders wikitable" |- !scope=col|State !scope=col|District !scope=col|Location !scope=col|km !scope=col|mi !scope=col|Destinations !scope=col|Notes |- |rowspan="4"|Maharashtra |rowspan="2"|Raigad |Panvel |km= {{convert|0|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|48|country=IND}} to New Delhi | Northern end of the highway. |- |Vadhkal |km= {{convert|36|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|166A|country=IND}} to Alibag | |- |rowspan="2"|Ratnagiri |Chiplun |km= {{convert|216|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|166E|country=IND}} to Bijapur | |- | Hatkhamba |km= {{convert|289|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|166|country=IND}} to Ratnagiri, Solapur | |- |rowspan="3"|Goa |rowspan="1"|North Goa |Panaji |km= {{convert|513|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|748|country=IND}} to Belgaum | |- |rowspan="2"|South Goa |Cortalim |km= {{convert|529|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|366|country=IND}} to Vasco da Gama | Route to Goa Dabolim Airport |- |Verna |km= {{convert|567|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|566|country=IND}} to Vasco da Gama |Route to Goa Dabolim Airport |- |rowspan="5"|Karnataka |rowspan="3"|Uttara Kannada |Ankola |km= {{convert|667|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|52|country=IND}} to Sangrur |Terminus of NH 52 |- |Kumta |km= {{convert|692|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|766E|country=IND}} to Haveri |Route to Devimane Ghat, Sirsi. Terminus of NH766E |- |Honnavar |km= {{convert|713|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|69|country=IND}} to Chittoor |Terminus of NH 69 |- |rowspan="1"|Udupi |Udupi |km= {{convert|841|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|169A|country=IND}} to Thirthahalli | |- |rowspan="1"|Dakshina Kannada |Mangalore |km= {{convert|900|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|73|country=IND}} to Tumakuru {{jct|NH|169|country=IND}} to Shivamogga |Terminus of NH 73 |- |rowspan="9"|Kerala |rowspan="1"|Kannur |Thalassery |km= {{convert|1076|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|state=Kerala|SH|30|country=IND}} to Mysore |Route to Mysore via {{jct|NH|275|country=IND}} passing through Coorg |- |rowspan="2"|Kozhikode |Malaparamba |km= {{convert|1122|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|766|country=IND}} to Kollegal | |- |Ramanattukara |km= {{convert|1156|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|966|country=IND}} to Palakkad | |- |rowspan="3"|Ernakulam |Cheranallur |km= {{convert|1340|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|966A|country=IND}} to ICTT Kochi | |- |Edapally |km= {{convert|1346|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|544|country=IND}} to Salem | |- |Kundannoor |km= {{convert|1356|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|85|country=IND}} to Thondi <br /> {{jct|NH|966B|country=IND}} to Cochin Port |Terminus of NH 85 Southern Naval Command headquarters - INS Vendruruthy |- |rowspan="3"|Kollam |Chavara |km= {{convert|1473|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|183A|country=IND}} to Vandiperiyar |Terminus of NH 183A |- |Kadavoor |km= {{convert|1503|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|183|country=IND}} to Theni/Dindigul | |- |Kallumthazham |km= {{convert|1530|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|744|country=IND}} to Tirumangalam | |- |rowspan="2"|Tamil Nadu |rowspan="2"|Kanyakumari |Nagercoil |km= {{convert|1624|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|944|country=IND}} to Kavalkinaru | |- |Kanyakumari |km= {{convert|1640|km|mi|disp=table}} |{{jct|NH|44|country=IND}} | Southern end of the highway. {{jctbtm|col=7}}

== Road condition ==

The NHAI has received the approval to upgrade the complete stretch of highway, from start to end, to a four-lane highway, which will be {{convert|60|m|ft|abbr=on}} and grade separated. Out of four states through which the highway goes, Karnataka and Maharashtra have received approval from the centre for the {{convert|60|m|ft|abbr=on}} wide highway. Kerala and Goa have requested a narrower width of {{convert|45|m|ft|abbr=on}}, and there are protests against the highway being widened in these states.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.indianurbaninfrastructure.com/?p=17349|title = 林芝卫浴服务中心}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Widening-of-states-killer-highway-awaits-Centres-nod-since-2009/articleshow/19082843.cms | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506095232/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-03-20/mumbai/37871306_1_goa-highway-nh17-national-highways | url-status=live | archive-date=2013-05-06 | work=The Times of India | title=Widening of state's killer highway awaits Centre's nod since 2009}}</ref> The four-laning of NH-66 (Mumbai-Kanyakumari) has been completed until Thalapadi in the Karnataka-Kerala border and only its stretch in Kerala is pending.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.timesofindia.com/city/kozhikode/Widening-of-NH-66-remains-delayed/amp_articleshow/54355990.cms&ved=0ahUKEwjzlM6t1IHXAhUKOI8KHfGTDpAQFgh2MA4&usg=AOvVaw3J-bGGov4YWU85iPDAiLHf&ampcf=1|title=Widening of NH 66 remains delayed - Times of India|website=The Times of India|date=16 September 2016}}{{dead link|date=April 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In the beginning of 2017, Kerala government has announced the six laning of NH 66 in the state as a major agenda and said to be completed in three years. But the high value of land will make it hard for compensation, and the ruling party's influence is controversial in relation to similar acquisitions like GAIL pipeline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.manoramaonline.com/news/kerala/kasaragod-thiruvananthapuram-nh-six-lane-track.html&grqid=29GRpIPC&hl=en-IN|title=Kasaragod-TVPM NH to have six-lane track - Onmanorama - Manoramaonline|date=13 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kerala-moves-to-expedite-nh-widening/article17423219.ece&grqid=resVoS2j&hl=en-IN|title=Kerala moves to expedite NH widening - The Hindu|newspaper=The Hindu|date=7 March 2017|last1=Radhakrishnan|first1=S. Anil}}</ref> Now the process is going fast in spite of protests from various highway action forum groups,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/120617/5000-families-face-eviction-for-national-highway-66-widening.html&grqid=k1ago8-c&hl=en-IN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805022636/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/in-other-news/120617/5000-families-face-eviction-for-national-highway-66-widening.html&grqid=k1ago8-c&hl=en-IN|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 August 2018|title=5,000 families face eviction for National Highway 66 widening - Deccan Chronicle|date=6 June 2017}}</ref> especially because it connects Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi and of tourism importance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/nation/in-other-news/130616/kerala-no-cut-in-national-highway-widening-limit.html&ved=0ahUKEwjzlM6t1IHXAhUKOI8KHfGTDpAQFgiCATAR&usg=AOvVaw2t8mT3XjiwMcyIUl5lDguZ&ampcf=1|title=No more talks on national highway land: CM Pinarayi Vijayan - Deccan Chronicle|date=18 June 2016}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> NH 66 has one of the highest vehicle densities in the state compared to sections of the highway in other states, so its development is vital for the overall development of the state, also the HAM model to be followed in widening will be instrumental in collecting the funds for the development. NHAI has been infamous for their heavy and long tenure of toll collection in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.indiatoday.in/lite/story/pinarayi-vijayan-kerala-flyover-kochi-land-acquisition/1/1071530.html&ved=0ahUKEwjzlM6t1IHXAhUKOI8KHfGTDpAQFghFMAI&usg=AOvVaw2ID88xl36MCsDzye9onBmK&ampcf=1|title=Why CM Pinarayi Vijayan is on a highway drive across Kerala|date=19 October 2017}}</ref> Till now {{convert|961|km|mi|abbr=on}} stretch out of {{convert|1608|km|mi|abbr=on}} long National Highway 66 (NH 66) have been made into four-lane highway. Karnataka and Maharashtra are widening to six-lane & {{convert|529|km|mi|abbr=on}} stretch out of {{convert|1608|km|mi|abbr=on}} long National Highway 66 (NH 66) have been made into six-lane highway. Tunnels will be constructed in the stretches where the road goes through the forest or ghat section. As the forest department does not allow land acquisition for road widening purposes, tunnels which can accommodate four-lane expressways are proposed for such stretches of the road in NH-66.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1529868/report-mumbai-goa-national-highway-may-get-a-tunnel|title=Mumbai-Goa National Highway may get a tunnel|date=8 April 2011|work=dna}}</ref> One such proposal is the Maharashtra government's proposal of 1.4 kilometre tunnel at the Karnala bird sanctuary.

[[File:Kollam Bypass, Feb 2020.jpg|thumb|Kollam Bypass near Kadavoor]]

Currently, the road is comparatively narrow and without dividers for the most part. The lack of dividers has led to an increased incidence of head-on collisions between vehicles. At some places, signboards indicating left or right turns, speed-breakers, etc. are either damaged or missing. In addition to its narrow span, there are no guard railings along the sides of the highway. The sides of the road are at times at a lower level than the road.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-08/mumbai/31037385_1_mumbai-goa-nh-17-nh-4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615093837/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-08/mumbai/31037385_1_mumbai-goa-nh-17-nh-4|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-06-15|work=The Times of India|title = Travelers forsake risky Goa road|access-date= 2012-08-03 }}</ref> Due to heavy human settlement around the highway and narrow span, the average speed on this highway is far lesser than what can be attained on comparatively better highways such as NH3, NH4 or NH8. One can find carcasses of animals on the road, indicating the risk of inattentive animals coming into the road. Two-wheel vehicles must take a special note of this. The road surface is uneven at certain stretches, not just in rainy seasons, but even at other times.

thumb|National Highway 66

At certain places in Karnataka, the surface is so badly damaged that the iron rods underneath are exposed. Presently, the work on widening this highway has been undertaken at certain stretches. Due to narrow span and lack of dividers, there are no separate lanes for oncoming traffic, driving and passing (over-taking). As a result, over-taking is quite rampant. At times, motorists attempt over-taking even on curves where the oncoming traffic cannot be seen. Other motorists are advised to be on the lookout for such oncoming vehicles.

On 19 March 2013 a bus carrying over 50 persons fell off a bridge close to a river in the Khed area of Ratnagiri district. 37 people were killed in the incident.

The highway in the state of Karnataka is being upgraded to a 60-metre-wide grade separated highway, in which vehicles can travel at a speed of 100 km per hour. It is a major overhaul, in which certain bridges are being constructed as six-lane bridges for the smooth movement of traffic. The widening work is going on in the complete stretch from the Goa border to the Kerala border. The stretch between Suratkal (NITK) to Kankanady cross (Mahavir Circle) has been already converted to four lanes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newsid=221517&newstype=local|title=BC Road- Suratkal four laning to be completed by June|access-date=2012-08-03|publisher=www.mangalorean.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222060828/http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newsid=221517&newstype=local|archive-date=22 February 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The four-lane stretch between Surathkal and Kundapura has been completed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/81208/restrict-4-lane-road-widening.html|title =Restrict four lane widening to 45 metres|date =13 July 2010|access-date= 2012-08-03 |publisher=www.deccanherald.com}}</ref>

The Maximum permissible speed for this road is 100 km/h on 6-lane national highways in kerala.

== Connectivity ==

Prior to the building of National Highway 66 (NH 66), then known as National Highway 17 (NH17), in the 1960s and 1970s, ships and steamers running between Mumbai and Mangaluru calling at different ports were the only means of transport along the west coast of India adjoining the Arabian Sea. These ship services were abandoned later. The NH 66 connects the interior parts of the coastal regions with the rest of the country. The NH 66 connects the major sea ports of West India;JNPT at Nhava Sheva, Vizhinjam International Seaport at Trivandrum, Mormugao (MPT), New Mangalore (NMPA), International Container Transshipment Terminal at Kochi, Kollam Port, Ratnagiri Port and Beypore Port.

Hence this National Highway 66 allows for the movement of goods by trucks (lorries) from the hinterland to the major sea ports of India. Trade and commerce in the region have increased due to the expansion of markets for agricultural products and seafood produced in the region connected by this highway. The formation of NH 66 has led to the development of tourism in the region connected by this highway. Goa state is a classic example of this development. Many industries have been set up along National Highway 66, taking advantage of connectivity and proximity to ports on the Arabian Sea. The highway was the only source of connection between areas in the coastal districts, until the Konkan Railway was opened in 1998, between Mumbai and Mangaluru.

One can still find old number NH-17 written on boards of shops and other establishments along NH-66 highway even in the year 2017.

== <span class="anchor" id="Incident"></span>Collapses == On 19 May 2025 at 2:30{{nbsp}}pm IST, a section of National Highway 66 caved in near Kooriyad, Malappuram district, Kerala, at around 2:30 pm in May 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2025 |title=NH-66 collapse: Geotechnical experts assess site in Kooriyad |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/nh-66-collapse-geotechnical-experts-assess-site-in-kooriyad/articleshow/121324083.cms |work=The Times of India |via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref> The collapse, including a retaining wall, fell onto the service road built over the filled paddy field, causing the nearby paddy field to split and form a small hill. The collapse occurred on a road under construction by the KNRCL company<ref>{{Cite web |title=NH 66 collapse: Kooriyad natives allege KNCRL ignored their warnings, Expert team to visit site tomorrow |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/05/20/national-highway-66-malappuram-collapse-public-allege-lapses.html |website=Manorama}}</ref> in the Ramanattukara-Valanchery reach of the new 6-lane National Highway. Four cars on the service road were damaged in the collapse. Seven passengers travelling in the car were injured.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite web |date=20 May 2025 |title=NH-66 collapse on service road at Kooriyad triggers concerns |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/nh-66-collapse-on-service-road-at-kooriyad-triggers-concerns/articleshow/121275406.cms |work=The Times of India |via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref> Three cars were involved in the accident, and seven were injured. The collapse significantly delayed construction on NH66.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2025 |title=NH66 collapse in Kerala's Malappuram raises safety concerns, Gadkari assures probe - CNBC TV18 |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/nh66-collapse-in-kerala-malappuram-raises-safety-concerns-gadkari-assures-probe-19608393.htm |website=CNBCTV18}}</ref> No casualties occurred.<ref>{{cite web |date=22 May 2025 |title=NH-66 collapse: Geotechnical experts assess site in Kooriyad |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/nh-66-collapse-geotechnical-experts-assess-site-in-kooriyad/articleshow/121324083.cms |work=The Times of India}}</ref>

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued an order to reconstruct the road and investigate the accident. The central government has debarred the KNRC company that was carrying out the construction.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2025 |title=Centre debars KNR Constructions over NH-66 collapse in Malappuram; suspends two officials |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/centre-debars-knr-constructions-over-nh-66-collapse-in-malappuram-suspends-two-officials-gf5hr5vf |website=@mathrubhumi}}</ref> Member of Parliament (Malappuram) E. T. Mohammed Basheer discussed the accident details with Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari,<ref name="auto12">{{Cite web |date=21 May 2025 |title=Nitin Gadkari assured IIT-expert panel will probe construction flaws: Basheer |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kozhikode/nitin-gadkari-assured-iit-expert-panel-will-probe-construction-flaws-basheer/articleshow/121322271.cms |work=The Times of India |via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}</ref> and Nitin issued an order for investigation and banned the KNRC company that was carrying out the construction work.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2025 |title=Gadkari has promised swift action against those responsible for NH-66 collapse near Kooriyad bridge: IUML leader |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/gadkari-has-promised-swift-action-against-those-responsible-for-nh-66-collapse-near-kooriyad-bridge-iuml-leader/article69601350.ece |via=www.thehindu.com |newspaper=The Hindu}}</ref><ref name="auto2" /> Kerala Chief Minister and Kerala Public Works Department have also ordered an investigation into the accident.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 May 2025 |title=Kerala braces for monsoon: Cracks, collapses in underconstruction 6-lane NH raise concerns |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kerala-braces-for-monsoon-cracks-collapses-in-underconstruction-6-lane-nh-raise-concerns-xiq3ppky |website=@mathrubhumi}}</ref>

Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari agreed to carry out a full investigation into the collapse. Member of Parliament E. T. Mohammed Basheer met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari immediately after the incident and said that the Union Minister had assured that appropriate action would be taken against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials if they were found responsible for the lapses. He also said that Gadkari had said that steps would be taken to enforce the bank guarantee given by the contractor and blacklist the construction company.<ref name="auto12" /> Congress President Sunny Joseph asked the Pinarayi Vijayan government to determine the responsibilities for the deteriorating National Highway 66.<ref>{{Cite web |last=India |first=The Hans |date=21 May 2025 |title=Kerala: Congress demands fixing responsibilities of crumbling under-construction national highway |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/news/national/kerala-congress-demands-fixing-responsibilities-of-crumbling-under-construction-national-highway-973105 |website=www.thehansindia.com}}</ref>

Protests took place in Kooriyad, and Indian Youth Congress workers held a protest march to the KNRCL office. On 20 May, the Muslim Youth League held a protest march at Kuriyad.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nitin Gadkari promises probe, stern action over NH66 collapse; Youth Congress holds protest |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/05/21/nitin-gadkari-promises-probe-stern-action-over-nh66-collapse-youth-congres-holds-protest.html |website=Manorama}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Service |first=Express News |date=7 May 2025 |title=Cracks and landslips on NH spark protests in Kerala; Gadkari urged to act |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2025/May/22/cracks-and-landslips-on-nh-spark-protests-in-kerala-gadkari-urged-to-act |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

Another similar incident occurred at Mylakkadu in Kollam, Kerala, on December 5, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NH-66: A highway to disaster in Kerala |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/collapsing-roads-and-retaining-walls-of-newly-developed-nh-stretches-in-kerala-cause-concern-among-residents/article70410405.ece |website=The Hindu}}</ref>

In a landslide that occurred at Shirur village, Ankola taluk, Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka state on 16 July 2024, Six persons lost their lives and few vehicles washed away to nearby Aghanashini river.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/four-dead-several-missing-as-landslide-hit-nh-66-near-ankola-3107522|title=Four dead, several missing as landslide hit NH 66 near Ankola|publisher= Deccan Herald newspaper|access-date=23 May 2026}}</ref> Unscientific construction of National Highway 66 by cutting hill in vertical steep manner instead of giving slope is said to be cause of landslide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/unscientific-construction-nh-66-landslide-shirur-karnataka-minister-krishna-byre-gowda-9465519/|title=Unscientific construction along NH-66 caused landslide near Shirur, says Karnataka minister Krishna Byre Gowda|publisher=The Indian Express, newspaper|access-date=23 May 2026}}</ref>

== Major cities and places on the highway == ===Maharashtra state=== {| class="wikitable" !District !Places or Cities |- !Mumbai Suburban |Panvel |- !Raigad |Pen, Nagothane, Kolad, Indapur, Raigad, Mangaon, Mahad, Poladpur |- !Ratnagiri |Khed, Chiplun, Savarde, Sangameshwar, Lanja, Rajapur |- !Sindhudurg |Kankavli, Kudal, Sawantwadi, Sindhudurg, Banda |}

===Goa state=== thumb|right|NH-66 in Goa {| class="wikitable" |- | Pernem || Mapusa || Panjim |- | Margao || Cuncolim || Canacona |}

===Karnataka state===

==== Uttara Kannada District ==== {| class="wikitable" |- |Karwar || Ankola || Kumta |- |Honnavar || Murudeshwar || Bhatkal |}

==== Udupi district ==== {| class="wikitable" |- | Baindooru || Uppunda || Maravanthe || Kundapura |Kota |- | Saligrama || Brahmavar<nowiki/>a || Udupi || Kapu || Padubidre |}

==== Dakshina Kannada ==== {| class="wikitable" |- | Mulki || Suratkal || Mangaluru || Ullal |}

===Kerala state=== {| class="wikitable" !District !Places or Cities |- !Kasaragod |Manjeshwar, Uppala, Kasaragod, Bekal, Kanhangad, Nileshwar, Cheruvathur, Payyanur |- !Kannur |Taliparamba, Kalliasseri, '''Kannur''', Muzhappilangad, Dharmadom Thalassery, Kodiyeri |- !Kozhikode |Vatakara, Iringal, Payyoli, Moodadi, Koyilandy, Kappad, Vengalam, Elathur, '''Kozhikode''', Pantheeramkavu, Ramanattukara |- !Malappuram |Tirurangadi, Kottakal, Puthanathani, Valanchery, Kuttippuram, Ponnani |- !Thrissur |Edakkazhiyur, Guruvayur, Chavakkad, Chettuva, Vadanappally, Thalikulam, Triprayar, Valapad, Kodungallur, |- !Ernakulam |North Paravur, Koonammavu, Cheranallur, '''Kochi''', Edappally, Palarivattom Vyttila, Maradu |- !Alappuzha |Aroor, Thuravoor, Cherthala, Alappuzha, Punnapra, Vandanam, Ambalapuzha, Karuvatta, Haripad, Kayamkulam |- !Kollam |Oachira, Karunagappalli, Chavara, Neendakara, '''Kollam''', Thrikkadavoor, Mevaram, Kottiyam, Chathannoor, Parippally |- !Thiruvananthapuram |Alamcode, Attingal, Kazhakkoottam, Kochuveli, '''Thiruvananthapuram''', Vizhinjam, Parassala |} * '''Bold''' indicates cities

=== Puducherry (union territory) === {| class="wikitable" |- | Mahé |}

===Tamil Nadu state=== {| class="wikitable" |- | Marthandam || Thuckalay |- | Nagercoil || Kanyakumari |}

==Toll Plazas== * Savitri, Maharashtra * Belekeri, Karnataka * Gundmi, Karnataka * Hejamadi, Karnataka * Holegadde, Karnataka * Shirur, Karnataka * Talapady, Karnataka * Thiruvangad, Kerala * Kumbalam, Kerala * Thiruvallam, Kerala

=== Under construction Toll Plazas in Kerala === {| class="plainrowheaders wikitable" |- !scope=col|District<ref>{{cite web | url=https://keralakaumudi.com/en/news/news.php?id=1265663&u=11-toll-plazas-in-nh-66-rs-1650-toll-for-car-travelling-entire-length-from-tpuram-to-kasaragod-1265663 | title=11 toll plazas in NH 66, Rs 1650 toll for car travelling entire length from T'puram to Kasaragod }}</ref> !scope=col|Location |- |Kasaragod district |Pulloor Periya |- |Kannur district |Kalliassery |- |Kozhikode district |Mampuzha |- |Malappuram district |Vettichira |- |Thrissur district |Nattika |- |Alappuzha district |Kommadi |- |Kollam district |Ochira |- |Kollam district |Kalluvathukkal |- |Thiruvananthapuram district |Thiruvallam |}

==Major city/town bypass roads on the highway== {| class="plainrowheaders wikitable" |- !scope=col|Bypass !scope=col|District !scope=col|State |- |Thiruvananthapuram Bypass |Thiruvananthapuram |Keralam |- |Attingal Bypass |Thiruvananthapuram |Keralam |- |Kollam Bypass<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kollam-bypass-will-be-made-four-lane-mp/article32250326.ece |title=Kollam bypass will be made four lane: MP |work=The Hindu|date=1 August 2020 |access-date=3 August 2020}}</ref> |Kollam |Keralam |- |Alappuzha Bypass |Alappuzha |Keralam |- |Kochi Bypass |Ernakulam |Keralam |- |Kodungallur Bypass |Thrissur |Keralam |- |Vadanappally Bypass |Thrissur |Keralam |- |Ponnani Bypass |Malappuram |Keralam |- |Valanchery Bypass |Malappuram |Keralam |- |Puthanathani Bypass<ref>{{cite web | url=https://englisharchives.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/nh66-to-have-bypasses-saving-land-acquisition-costs-1.1680167 | title=NH66 to have bypasses saving land acquisition costs | date=24 January 2017 }}</ref> |Malappuram |Keralam |- |Kottakkal Bypass |Malappuram |Keralam |- |Kozhikode Bypass |Kozhikode |Keralam |- |Koyilandy Bypass |Kozhikode |Keralam |- |Vadakara Bypass |Kozhikode |Keralam |- |Thalassery-Mahe Bypass |Kannur |Keralam |- |Taliparamba Bypass |Kannur |Keralam |- |Payyannur Bypass |Kannur |Keralam |- |Sawantwadi Bypass |Sindhudurg |Maharashtra |- |Margao Western Bypass |South Goa |Goa |}

== Lifestyle along NH 66 == NH 66 passes through hills, forests, rivers, rivulets, and streams, generally flowing westwards towards the Arabian Sea. Most of the region has typical scenes like coconut trees dotted all along with paddy fields and arecanut gardens. The road is uneven, and bumps, curves, steep rises and narrow paths in between hillocks are found all over this highway. As this region experiences heavy rainfall, potholes are abundant.

Although the languages spoken vary along the highway, the food of the people along the NH 66 has some common ingredients like coconut, chili, pepper, coconut oil, and fish. The region has a higher literacy rate than other regions of India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census2011.co.in/facts/highstateliteracy.html&grqid=uWctg2fI&hl=en-IN|title=Top 10 Highest Literate States of India : Ranking -Census.co.in|year=2011}}</ref> The building of National Highway 66 has led to rapid development of the towns and cities along the highway.

== Parallel access controlled expressway == This highway is expected to lose importance in coastal Karnataka as the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India has proposed a greenfield (i.e., new and parallel) access controlled expressway corridor connecting the port cities of Mangaluru, Karwar, and Panaji.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/46891/five-expressways-come-up-state.html|title=Five new expressways to come up in State|work=Deccan Herald|date=14 January 2010}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/new-approach-mooted-for-infrastructure-projects/article2855594.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=New approach mooted for infrastructure projects | date=2012-02-03}}</ref> This highway-expressway combination can be compared to the Mumbai-Pune Highway-Expressway combination.

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * [https://web.archive.org/web/20160816023351/http://www.keralapwd.gov.in/getPage.php?page=NH%20in%20Kerala&pageId=301]

Category:National highways of India 66 66 66 66 66 Category:Transport in Panvel Category:Transport in Kanyakumari Category:National highways in Kollam district Category:Transport in Kochi