Thiruvananthapuram Four Lane Road Work Speeds Ahead
Thiruvananthapuram’s ambitious four-lane road development from Vazhayila to Pazhakutty has moved a step closer to completion as the second stretch of work entered the tendering stage, marking a significant milestone for the city’s mobility and infrastructure ambitions.
The latest phase will cover a 4.1-kilometre section from Keltron Junction to Valicode at an estimated cost of ₹123.31 crore. Officials confirmed that tender submissions are open until 23 August, with land acquisition already advanced in Aruvikkara, Karakulam, and Nedumangad villages. Compensation worth ₹284 crore has been sanctioned for 317 landowners, with more than 90 per cent of the amount already disbursed. The first reach, stretching from Vazhayila to Keltron Junction, is progressing ahead of schedule, with work on the flyover, bridge, and main carriageway targeted for completion by the end of December. The design incorporates a 21-metre-wide alignment, featuring a 15-metre tarred surface, a 2-metre central median, and 2-metre-wide utility zones on either side.
The entire 11.2-kilometre corridor is being executed in three reaches, funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) with an approved budget exceeding ₹1,185 crore. The third and final section, from Valicode to Pazhakutty Petrol Pump Junction via Kacheri Nadu to the 11th Mile, will see land acquisition costs alone crossing ₹396 crore, with construction expected to start by late September. Urban mobility experts say the project could be a game-changer for Thiruvananthapuram, reducing bottlenecks and improving freight movement while enabling smoother, safer daily commutes. Planners have emphasised that sustainable construction practices are being integrated to limit environmental impact, with provisions for pedestrian pathways and green buffers where feasible.
However, community sentiment remains mixed. While many residents anticipate reduced congestion and faster travel times, others have raised concerns over displacement and the impact on local ecosystems. Officials maintain that rehabilitation packages worth ₹4.5 crore have been designed to support affected families, with commitments to complete all compensation processes within the month. Once operational, the upgraded four-lane corridor is expected to streamline connectivity between the city centre and peripheral growth zones, stimulating local commerce and aligning with Kerala’s vision of eco-friendly, inclusive urban transport systems. The challenge ahead lies in balancing rapid execution with equitable treatment for those impacted, ensuring that the infrastructure uplift becomes a shared gain for the entire region.
