In a significant development for Thiruvananthapuram's infrastructure, the much-delayed Peroorkada flyover project has finally cleared a major administrative hurdle. The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has granted its crucial technical sanction, paving the way for the construction of the long-pending structure aimed at decongesting one of the capital city's busiest junctions.
Project Details and Timeline
Vattiyoorkavu MLA V K Prasanth confirmed that the tender for the flyover's construction will be floated within the next two weeks. Once a contractor is appointed, physical work on the ground is expected to commence as early as March 2024. The project, with an estimated cost of around Rs 106 crore, is being implemented by the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala Ltd (RBDCK).
The proposed flyover will be an 874-meter long, two-lane elevated road. It is designed to connect the stretch from near Lourdes Church at Peroorkada to St Jude's Church at Vazhayila. For over half a decade, the project has been a key talking point among motorists and local residents frustrated by the severe traffic snarls at the junction where four major roads converge.
Land Acquisition and Design Challenges
Officials have stated that a critical pre-construction phase is already complete. The required land acquisition has been finalized, with compensation disbursed to the landowners. Demolition of structures on the acquired plots is underway, with nearly all buildings already cleared, making the site ready for the contractor to begin work.
The project's journey to this stage hasn't been smooth. It faced several delays due to design adjustments, including changes necessitated by the presence of utility lines beneath the junction. These complexities pushed back earlier timelines repeatedly, testing the patience of daily commuters.
A Long-Awaited Relief for Commuters
Expressing his satisfaction at the progress, MLA V K Prasanth, who actively oversaw the project, said, "This technical sanction from KIIFB is a major milestone. We cleared the land and are now ready to invite the construction tender. Once that is awarded, we expect to break ground in March. This flyover will transform traffic flow in the area and is a long-awaited relief for commuters."
Local residents and motorists have welcomed the news with open arms. They anticipate that the flyover will drastically cut down travel time and eliminate the chronic bottlenecks that have plagued the Peroorkada junction, especially during peak hours, for many years.
With the technical sanction now in place and the tendering process about to begin, officials are confident that the project is finally on a firm track. If all subsequent stages proceed according to schedule, the Peroorkada flyover could become a reality by late 2027, offering much-needed infrastructure support to a critical intersection in the state capital.
