NHAI Accelerates Bypass Construction to Alleviate Traffic Woes in Kerala Towns
Commuters in the bustling towns of Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam in Kerala, long plagued by severe traffic bottlenecks, can look forward to significant relief by next year. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prioritized the construction of bypass corridors for these two heavily congested areas, breaking a year-long impasse caused by protracted land acquisition issues.
Project Timeline and Design Specifications
Construction is slated to commence by September, with an ambitious completion target of just one year. According to a senior NHAI official, the alignment is being finalized, and both bypass corridors will feature a two-lane paved shoulder road, each with a width of 12 metres. To accommodate future needs, land will be acquired at a broader width of 25-30 metres. This additional space will facilitate the construction of service roads, side drains, pedestrian paths, and allow for potential expansion.
Overcoming Past Hurdles and Revised Strategy
The project had previously been shelved due to significant delays in the land acquisition process, despite funds being allocated in 2023. MP Dean Kuriakose explained that the original initiative was dropped after the 3(A) notification issued on December 7, 2023, failed to progress. The Centre has now revived the project, stipulating that land acquisition be minimized strategically to ensure feasibility. The NHAI is restarting the process from scratch, beginning with alignment preparations, which are expected to be finalized within the week.
Next Steps and Broader Context
Following the alignment finalization, tenders will be floated. The successful bidder will then have four months to prepare a detailed project report. These bypass corridors, totaling 15 kilometers, are critical components of the larger Kochi-Munnar NH 85 development, which is also in its final stages. However, the overall Rs 910-crore upgrade of NH 85 faces its own challenges, particularly a 12km section between Neriamangalam and Adimali, where work remains suspended by the high court pending environmental clearances.
Currently, traffic congestion is a daily ordeal, especially in Muvattupuzha, where vehicles from five major directions converge. The new bypasses aim to divert through-traffic, easing the burden on town centers and improving overall mobility for residents and travelers alike.
