The long-awaited development of Kundannoor Junction, one of Kochi's most notorious traffic bottlenecks, is set to become a reality soon. The district collector has submitted a rehabilitation package for displaced residents and businesses for consideration by the state government as part of the project.
Project Details and Infrastructure Plans
The Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK) will initiate a Rs 10.53-crore project to develop Kundannoor Junction and service roads. Meanwhile, the Maradu municipality is planning to set up several infrastructure facilities, including a Take-A-Break centre (modern, hygienic public rest areas and restrooms), an open stage, and an entrance arch at the road leading to the municipality building from the junction.
"We have identified sites for infrastructure facilities along Kochi Refinery Ltd Road that starts from Kundannoor Junction. We will begin a survey to assess actual land requirement and further processes from May 6, after the model code of conduct ends," said Maradu municipality chairperson Ajitha Nandakumar.
An official of RBDCK added, "Administrative green light clears the final hurdle for the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board to begin the land acquisition process. A total of 16.24 ares, mainly private land from four corners of the junction, need to be acquired. We expect the process to begin next month."
Land Acquisition and Compensation
Two buildings (towards the Maradu side) will also need to be demolished. While the 11(1) notification for land acquisition (LA) was issued a year ago, compensation is finally being provided, a major step for the LA process.
Background of Traffic Congestion
For years, the junction has witnessed heavy traffic congestion. The main reason was narrow service roads and a lack of enough space for vehicles from the Vyttila direction to turn and proceed towards Maradu. With increasing volume of cargo traffic from the port and rapid urbanization of Maradu and Tripunithura suburbs, the junction had reached a breaking point. Despite the construction of a flyover in 2020, it continued to experience traffic gridlock, especially during morning and evening peak hours. The planned development aims to widen service roads and streamline entry and exit points that currently cause traffic jams.
