The Venjaramoodu flyover project, designed to alleviate chronic traffic congestion on the busy MC Road stretch in Thiruvananthapuram, is making progress but faces significant hurdles. Even after the flyover is completed, commuters may not fully benefit due to pending land acquisition and unfinished service roads.
Funding and Land Acquisition Challenges
Officials from the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) have stated that approximately Rs 5 crore is required to acquire additional land and carry out related works to make the service roads fully operational. The matter has been brought to the attention of the state government for necessary approvals and funding.
Current Construction Status
The first phase of construction, which includes the erection of 10 concrete pillars of the flyover, has been completed. Work on the approach roads is progressing, and installation of beams on the pillars is underway. Additionally, a service road is being constructed on the western side of the flyover to facilitate the movement of local vehicles.
Obstacles to Service Road Completion
Officials have identified several obstacles that must be addressed before the service roads can become fully functional. The width of the service roads is insufficient at multiple points, and electricity posts and transformers located along the stretch need to be relocated. Additional land acquisition is required to widen the service roads. Although measurements and mapping of adjacent land have been completed, further procedures related to land acquisition have not yet begun, according to sources.
A KRFB official stated, "The state government has been informed about the situation. If the government decides to proceed with land acquisition, estimates and further procedures for acquiring land will begin."
