The long-pending Outer Ring Road (ORR) project in Thiruvananthapuram, connecting Vizhinjam to Navaikulam via Thekkada, faces a major setback as land acquisition costs have doubled from Rs 1,800 crore to Rs 3,800 crore. According to official sources, the revised estimate will remain valid only till August, after which the cost is expected to escalate further if compensation is not disbursed promptly.

As per the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, landowners are entitled to 12 percent annual interest on delayed payments, from the date of possession to the date of compensation. The project requires 314 hectares across 24 villages and has been delayed for over three years, leaving landowners waiting for compensation.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has provided revised estimates based on the current law, and officials warn that continued delays will push the cost even higher. Though 3D notifications have been issued for 11 villages, others are pending. After a recent meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, PWD Minister P A Mohammad Riyas had announced that final approval was expected by July end.