The long-awaited Mannakkal overpass on National Highway 66 is poised to open to the public later this month, marking a significant milestone in easing traffic congestion in southern Kerala. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirmed that the structure, located between Mukkola and Kaorde, is in its final stages of completion.
Final Touches on Strategic Infrastructure
Construction work on the overpass, which is a critical component of the broader NH-66 widening and upgrade project, is being wrapped up by Kochi-based Cherian Varkey Constructions Ltd. An NHAI project official stated that while the primary structural work is largely finished, crews are now focused on the finishing works.
"Pavement laying, installation of signage, and implementing safety features are progressing steadily," the official told Times of India. "The formal inauguration date will be finalized after discussions with the contractor to ensure all quality and safety checks are fully met." The overpass is strategically designed to segregate local vehicles from high-speed through traffic, thereby improving the overall flow on this busy coastal corridor that runs from Kasaragod to Mukkola.
Expected Impact on Traffic and Connectivity
The operational launch of the Mannakkal overpass is expected to bring substantial relief to a perennially congested intersection. Traffic authorities anticipate a significant reduction in delays for commuters and long-distance travelers alike.
This improvement is crucial as the highway connects key economic and tourism hubs such as Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kanyakumari. By streamlining movement, the overpass will enhance connectivity and support the region's growing traffic volumes, both local and interstate.
Challenges and Oversight in the NH-66 Project
The progress on the wider NH-66 project has been a mixed bag in recent months. While sections like the Mannakkal overpass are nearing completion, other stretches have faced engineering challenges.
Delays due to soil and technical issues prompted the NHAI to enhance its oversight. This includes conducting rigorous technical reviews and implementing revised quality checks. This increased scrutiny came particularly after an incident late last year involving the collapse of an embankment wall on a different section of the highway in Kollam district.
In response, the authority launched extensive soil testing and moved to reinforce construction standards across the entire NH-66 network, ensuring the longevity and safety of the infrastructure.
