Pettah-Anayara Road Revamp in Thiruvananthapuram Pushed to May 2026, Missing Government Deadline
The ambitious revamp and widening of the Pettah–Anayara Road in Thiruvananthapuram, a critical infrastructure project aimed at alleviating chronic traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity in the Kerala capital, is now projected for completion only by May 2026. This timeline represents a significant delay beyond the government's original December 2025 deadline, as confirmed by officials and project sources.
Project Details and Funding
Executed by the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) with funding from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the project carries an estimated total cost of Rs 143.6 crore. A substantial portion of this budget, nearly Rs 98 crore, was allocated for land acquisition from 614 property owners along the route, a process that notably delayed the initiation of physical construction work.
Scope and Contract Award
Awarded in May 2024 to the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS), the project originally had an 18-month timeline. The comprehensive scope includes:
- Widening a 2.4-kilometer stretch between Pettah and Venpalavattom (designated as Stretch 1)
- Widening a 1.2-kilometer segment (Stretch 2)
- Constructing a new 170-meter link road to improve network integration
Causes of Delay
Despite favorable weather conditions during the current season, progress has been slower than anticipated. Officials attribute the primary delays to concurrent sewerage and drainage work being carried out alongside the road widening. Variations in the width and height of underground drains necessitated corrective adjustments during construction, which in turn slowed progress on the main carriageway.
A senior KRFB official acknowledged these challenges, stating, "The sewer and utility shifting works took longer than expected. These needed to be done meticulously to ensure long-term durability. The groundwork is almost finished and we now expect the main carriageway to be ready by March."
Revised Completion Timeline
While the main carriageway is targeted for readiness by March 2026, sources familiar with the project estimate that full completion—including final surfacing and ancillary works such as footpaths, bus shelters, and other finishing touches—will likely extend into May 2026.
Impact on Local Residents
Local residents have endured nearly two years of recurring disruptions due to the prolonged construction, which has significantly affected daily life. In recent weeks, sections of the road were partially closed, and drinking water supply was cut for days due to the shifting of Kerala Water Authority (KWA) pipelines linked to the project. This left hundreds without piped water, forcing many to depend on private water supplies.
Official Statements and Future Outlook
Kadakampally Surendran, the local MLA, emphasized the government's commitment to delivering a high-quality road. "The work is progressing rapidly now, and we expect it to be finished by March. Our immediate target is to complete the first layer of tarring by March 10," he stated.
Once completed, the upgraded corridor is expected to substantially ease traffic bottlenecks from Pettah through Anayara to Venpalavattom. This improvement will enhance access to national highway corridors and strengthen urban mobility in Thiruvananthapuram, supporting the growing capital city's infrastructure needs and economic development.
