Kerala: Consultant selected for National Highway bypass detailed project report

KOCHI: The National Highway Authority of India has chosen the consultant for preparing a detailed project report of the proposed Angamaly-Aroor bypass. Louis Berger, a multinational firm selected through global tendering, will conduct a survey, suggest the alignment, and is expected to submit the DPR within a few months. Three companies participated in the tendering process. "If everything goes as per plans, the DPR will be ready within a couple of months, and land acquisition can begin by the last quarter of this year. The project can be realised at the earliest if the state government expedites land acquisition," NHAI sources said.

Once completed, the 39 km-long four-lane corridor, estimated to cost about Rs 15 crore to 20-cr per kilometre, is expected to decongest the existing bypass. However, the total estimated cost can be assessed only after the DPR is ready. The new corridor will connect existing roads. Since the existing NH bypass can't be widened due to the scarcity of land, the only alternative is to develop a new one. Considering the situation, the NHAI officials proposed the new corridor which will help thousands of inter-district vehicles save time and fuel. Though NHAI has plans to widen the Edappally-Aroor Bypass into a six-lane corridor using the space from both side medians and service roads, it is yet to be materialised. Vacant space is available along the service road at many places which can be used for road widening.