Thiruvananthapuram: Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) conducted a comprehensive inspection of Ramp 1 and Ramp 2 on Wednesday, which connect the Vizhinjam International Seaport with the Kazhakkoottam–Karode stretch of NH 66. The review focused on infrastructure readiness ahead of the anticipated start of regular cargo operations from the port.
Cargo operations to begin next month
According to sources, regular gateway cargo movement is expected to commence next month. The inauguration will be led by Chief Minister V D Satheesan.
The inspection, which lasted from 6.45pm to 8.30pm, examined the connectivity provided by the newly developed ramps, safety measures at merging points, traffic management, and overall operational preparedness of the corridor. This corridor is designed to ensure smooth movement of container trucks between the seaport and the national highway network.
Temporary connectivity until permanent interchange
The two ramps are part of a temporary road connection linking the port’s 1.7km approach road with NH 66. A permanent cloverleaf interchange is planned for later development at the junction as a long-term solution. The dedicated road is expected to significantly enhance the evacuation of EXIM cargo from the port, reducing reliance on city roads.
Earlier, NHAI granted provisional approval for the temporary connection while pursuing long-term plans for a grade-separated cloverleaf interchange. The authority has also proposed additional safety measures, including street lighting, service roads, and traffic management systems, to handle the anticipated increase in heavy container traffic. The permanent interchange proposal is still under consideration.
Inspection details and recommendations
During the inspection, officials assessed vehicle turning radii, merging lanes, visibility, pavement condition, road markings, drainage, and safety barriers. They also evaluated the movement patterns of heavy container trailers expected to use the corridor once commercial cargo transportation begins.
An NHAI official who participated in the inspection stated that a traffic signal would be recommended at the point where the port approach road meets the NH 66 service road. This measure aims to ensure safe and orderly movement of container trucks and other vehicles.
“The merging point requires signalized traffic control considering the volume of heavy vehicles that will use this corridor,” the official said.
The official added that the inspection report, incorporating observations and safety recommendations, will be submitted to the competent authorities within two weeks. Based on the report, NHAI is expected to finalize the traffic management measures required before the corridor is opened for full-fledged cargo movement.
