NHAI Accelerates Bypass Projects to Relieve Traffic in Kerala Towns
Commuters in the congested towns of Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam in Kerala can look forward to significant traffic relief by next year. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prioritized the construction of bypass corridors for these areas, breaking a year-long impasse caused by delays in land acquisition.
Construction Timeline and Road Specifications
A senior NHAI official stated that the agency aims to commence actual construction works by September, with a targeted completion within one year. According to the alignment being finalized, both bypass corridors will feature a two-lane paved shoulder road, each with a width of 12 metres.
Land acquisition will be conducted at a width of 25-30 metres to accommodate service roads, side drains, pedestrian paths, and allow for future expansion. The immediate focus is on completing the alignment preparations, expected within the week, followed by the floating of tenders.
Background and Challenges
Traffic congestion is a daily issue, particularly in Muvattupuzha town, where vehicles from five major directions converge. The two bypass corridors, totaling 15km, are critical components of the broader Kochi-Munnar NH 85 development, which is also in its final stages.
Despite funds being allocated in 2023, the project was shelved due to stalled land acquisition processes. MP Dean Kuriakose explained that the original project was dropped after major delays, with a 3(A) notification issued on December 7, 2023. The Centre revived the project on the condition that land acquisition be minimized to ensure feasibility.
Now, NHAI is restarting all processes, beginning with alignment, to determine the actual land requirements under a revised plan designed to keep acquisition to a strategic minimum.
Broader NH 85 Upgrade and Environmental Hurdles
While the bypasses progress, the overall Rs 910-crore Kochi-Munnar NH 85 upgrade faces its own obstacles. Although much of the 124km stretch is being widened, work on the 12km Neriamangalam-Adimali section remains suspended by the high court, pending environmental clearances from the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change.
The successful bidder for the bypass projects will have four months to prepare a detailed project report after tenders are floated, ensuring a streamlined approach to construction.
