A recent interim order by the Supreme Court mandating a strict buffer zone along National Highways has triggered deep anxiety among thousands of families and business owners across Kerala. The ruling threatens to severely impact residents along the Kollam–Theni and Kollam–Thirumangalam national highways, as well as the Kadambattukonam–Edamon Greenfield Highway, where land acquisition is in various stages of completion. While the Greenfield Highway's land acquisition is almost complete, the Kollam–Theni (NH 183) expansion is moving into active acquisition, and plans for the Thirumangalam highway are currently being drawn up.

The interim ruling prohibits the construction of residential houses within 40 metres and commercial structures within 75 metres from the centre of national highways. The Supreme Court has directed the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to issue a uniform notification enforcing this restriction across the country. This has left property owners on both sides of these busy corridors worried about the future of their homes and livelihoods.

Massive impact on property and development
Although legal experts suggest that the ruling may not lead to the immediate demolition of existing structures, any future renovation, reconstruction, or extension will require special clearance from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the state Public Works Department. This restriction threatens to freeze property transactions and development over vast swathes of land. In Kollam district alone, the ongoing development of NH 66 spans at least 220 hectares that will be directly affected by this order. If applied across all national highways in the region, transactions on over 1,000 hectares of land could grind to a halt.

For the four-laning of the Kollam–Theni highway (NH 183) from Kadavoor to Chengannur Anjilimoodu, the Central Government has already sanctioned ₹1663 crore. This stretch was recently taken over by NHAI from the state PWD, and land acquisition notices were issued a year ago. The new buffer zone guidelines could now throw a wrench into the rehabilitation and redevelopment plans of those who have already surrendered parts of their land for the project.

State government to seek legal remedy
Local communities are already facing hurdles, with several local self-government bodies reportedly refusing to assign building numbers to partially demolished structures that were rebuilt on remaining plots along NH 66. To address the looming crisis, the Kerala state government is preparing to approach the Supreme Court. Given the state's unique topography, high population density, and acute land scarcity, the government will advocate for special relaxations to prevent widespread displacement and economic ruin for thousands of families and local business owners.