The much-awaited transformation of the Vazhayila-Nedumangad Road in Kerala's capital into a modern four-lane corridor has hit another major roadblock. The state government has terminated the contract for the project's crucial second phase, ensuring further delays for the already sluggish initiative.
Contract Scrapped Due to Non-Compliance
The Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) was forced to cancel its agreement with Coimbatore-based KCP Infra Ltd after the contractor failed to furnish the required bank guarantee within the stipulated timeframe. The company, which had emerged as the lowest bidder for the phase stretching from Karakulam to Valicode, was first given 30 days and then a 15-day extension to submit the guarantee. Failure to comply with these financial bid conditions led KRFB to scrap the deal entirely.
A senior KRFB official confirmed that a fresh e-tender has been floated, with the opening scheduled for January 14. "We re-advertised the tender to ensure competitive bids and timely execution. We are hopeful of awarding the contract soon," the official stated, requesting anonymity. This development threatens to slow the progress of a project that has already faced multiple hurdles over the years, including protracted land acquisition and funding issues.
Project Overview and Current Status
The ambitious three-phase plan, funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and executed by KRFB, aims to replace a narrow, accident-prone stretch with a modern, 21-metre-wide four-lane road. The upgrade is designed to drastically improve connectivity and reduce travel time between Vazhayila and Nedumangad.
Despite the setback in phase two, there is some positive news. Work on the first phase, from Vazhayila to Karakulam, is actively progressing. The contract for this section, which includes the construction of the Karakulam flyover, was awarded to Cherian Varkey Constructions Ltd. The first layer of tarring on the 1.5km stretch is set to begin, offering commuters some relief. Officials expect the Karakulam flyover itself to be completed by March, easing traffic from the city's eastern suburbs.
Regarding the stalled second phase, the KRFB official noted a silver lining: 95% of the land acquisition is complete, and compensation has largely been disbursed to affected owners. This is a critical prerequisite before any major civil works can commence.
Broader Impact and Future Connectivity
The third phase, which will run from Valicode to Pazhakutti in Nedumangad, is still in preparatory stages, with compensation distribution having only recently begun. Once fully complete, the 12km upgraded corridor will significantly decongest one of the region's busiest suburban stretches.
The project is a key part of KRFB's broader initiative to improve urban traffic corridors across the capital region. The new road will feature a 15-metre carriageway, a two-metre median, and two-metre utility paths on both sides. It is expected to serve as a vital feeder corridor, boosting connectivity to interior towns like Tenkasi, Nedumangad, Aryanad, Vithura, and the popular tourist destination of Ponmudi.
