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Kerala highway construction regulation dispute

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2026-08-21 08:09 UTC → 2026-08-22 16:23 UTC · added ~~removed~~

An interim order from the Supreme Court revising construction distance limits along national highways is expected to significantly impact coastal regions in Kerala. The ruling prohibits residential construction within 40 metres of the highway centre line and restricts commercial establishments within 75 metres. In Kerala, this could affect approximately 2,500 hectares of land across nine districts, from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, potentially impacting ~~numerous homes~~ hundreds of thousands of residents. Under the revised limits, existing structures within these zones will undergo review, and ~~shops.~~ commercial entities will require approval from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to renew licenses. The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has been directed to issue a unified notification regarding these limits. In Kerala, the reconstruction of National Highway 66 into a six-lane highway has already necessitated the acquisition of 1,079.66 hectares and the demolition of 27,035 structures. If the new court order is implemented, an additional 35 metres of land on both sides of the current 45-metre wide highway may need to be kept clear. In response to the order, Kerala has launched a survey of buildings located near national highways. This initiative aims to collect data on houses within the 40-metre zone, commercial establishments within the 75-metre zone, and buildings currently under construction. The data is being gathered to prepare an affidavit for a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for September 1. The survey is a data-gathering exercise for legal proceedings and does not itself mandate the demolition of buildings.

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