Thiruvananthapuram: Putting an end to uncertainties, the construction work on the 29km Kazhakkoottam-Kadampattukonam stretch of NH 66 is likely to resume this month, with the financial issues between the main contractor RDS Projects Ltd and its subcontractor RKC Infrastructure Pvt Ltd understood to have been resolved.RDS, the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractor for the project, had subcontracted the execution of the stretch to Pune-based RKC Infrastructure. The dispute over payments affected the mobilisation of workers, machinery, and other resources, resulting in a sharp slowdown in construction.An NHAI official confirmed that the issues between the two companies have now been resolved and said the work would restart this month. The official said RKC would remobilise its workforce and machinery and resume construction activities at multiple locations along the stretch.“Hopefully, the subcontractor will bring the machinery and more workforce to speed up the works and will complete it in the stipulated time frame,“ the official said.It has also been learnt that Kazhakkoottam MLA V Muraleedharan intervened in the issue and held discussions aimed at resolving the dispute between the contractors. His intervention helped facilitate a settlement, paving the way for the subcontractor to remobilise.The development comes days after NHAI issued a cure period notice to RDS Projects over the prolonged delay in executing the project. NHAI had sought an explanation from the main contractor and directed it to take immediate steps to improve mobilisation and the pace of construction. The authority had also warned that failure to rectify the deficiencies could lead to termination of the contract.Only around 55% of the project, including the Attingal bypass, has been completed so far, making the stretch one of the most delayed NH 66 packages in the state. The completion deadline has already been extended to March 2027 after the project missed its earlier targets.The project covers the six-laning of the highway from Kazhakkoottam to Kadampattukonam and includes the 11.15km Attingal bypass, bridges, flyovers, underpasses, culverts and service roads. The Attingal bypass is a key component of the package as it is expected to divert through traffic away from the congested Attingal town.Though the main bridge over the Vamanapuram River along the Attingal bypass has been completed, substantial works remain pending on the carriageway and other sections of the bypass. Work on several portions of the main highway also needs to gather pace following the prolonged slowdown.The stretch had earlier faced delays due to shortages of construction materials, particularly red earth, besides problems related to labour and machinery mobilisation. The project had subsequently regained momentum, with work reaching around 60% completion earlier this year before another slowdown affected progress.
