Kochi: New National Highway bypass work set to begin

KOCHI: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is all set to float tenders to identify an agency to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for a new four-lane NH bypass from Angamaly to Aroor. Once completed, the 39 km-long corridor, which has been estimated to cost about Rs 15 to Rs 20-cr per kilometre, is expected to decongest the existing bypass which is used by thousands of vehicles including inter-state trucks, buses and huge containers.

“The NHAI New Delhi office has asked the Thiruvananthapuram regional office to invite tenders for identifying an agency for DPR preparation. The new four-lane corridor will connect existing roads and will also include fresh acquisitions for new road development. The total estimated cost can be assessed only after preparation of the DPR,” said a top official with NHAI.

The firm that will be shortlisted is expected to conduct a survey, suggest an alignment, and submit the DPR within a few months. “If everything goes as planned, the DPR will be ready within a couple of months and the land acquisition can begin by mid next year. If the state government expedites land acquisition, the project can be realized at the earliest,” added the official.

Meanwhile, the NHAI’s plan to widen the Edappally-Aroor Bypass into a six lane corridor using the space from both side medians and service roads is yet to take place. Vacant space is available along the service road at many places which can be used for road widening. The Edappally – Vyttila stretch is the most congested with more and more big shops, eateries and other commercial firms coming up along the bypass.