NHAI Targets May 2027 for Edappally-Kodungalloor Corridor Six-Laning

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has established May 2027 as the completion target for the six-laning of the Edappally-Kodungalloor NH 66 corridor. This route is identified as a high-traffic and densely populated segment of the 570-km Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod NH 66 stretch.

The project, spanning 30 km, has experienced setbacks due to challenges in obtaining raw materials and public opposition advocating for additional underpasses and service roads to accommodate bidirectional traffic and prevent flooding. In response to these concerns, the NHAI plans to construct five more underpasses, extend service roads by 5.60 km, and add 4.30 km of viaducts in place of planned soil-filled bridge approaches. This decision follows damage observed on retention walls of several new bridges and flyovers along NH 66 in Kerala.

The proposed underpasses include two at Koonammavu and one each at Thaikkavu, Pattanam, and Perumbadanna. Local bodies will receive ₹28 crore for the construction of supplementary drainage systems on the Edappally-Muthakunnam section. Delays at Edappally Junction, specifically for flyover-cum-underpasses, are linked to revised plans to lengthen them by 180 meters to incorporate additional pedestrian underpasses, impacting traffic flow.

Local officials have called for improved access from side roads to the national highway and for widening of these connecting roads. They also highlighted the need for underpasses at the Cheranallore signal junction to mitigate congestion and for widening narrow service roads, alongside dedicated bus bays and waiting shelters.