Amid relentless traffic snarls and a spate of road accidents, a transformative infrastructure project is taking shape along the Aroor-Thuravoor corridor in Kerala. The 12.75-km six-lane elevated highway, set to become the country’s longest, has reached 65 percent completion and promises to redefine commuting and freight movement in the state.
The project, being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the broader NH66 expansion initiative, is valued at ₹2,200 crore. Once complete by May 2026, it will not only decongest one of Kerala’s busiest stretches but also enhance sustainable mobility along the coastal corridor. Work began in 2023, and the scale of the operation is significant — with more than 2,500 labourers and 350 heavy machines engaged in round-the-clock construction. All 360 supporting pillars and over 3,000 girders have already been installed, and girder erection is actively underway. According to senior officials overseeing the build, development of the three exit ramps and the toll plaza is also progressing steadily.
While the engineering milestone is commendable, the human cost has been severe. Since work began, the corridor has become notorious for long delays and risky traffic patterns, contributing to the deaths of at least 28 individuals, including both motorists and workers, as reported by local civil society groups. The narrow, diverted single-lane flow has created chaotic conditions, especially during peak hours. Local advocacy groups have consistently called for stringent traffic enforcement and the implementation of stronger safety protocols, particularly as monsoon rains now loom. “While we fully support the need for the highway, lives should not be lost due to lack of planning. Simple steps like ensuring lane discipline and better signage could have saved lives,” said a representative from a local monitoring body.
The NHAI has responded by allocating funds to upgrade two alternative routes – Thuravoor-Kumbalangi and Thuravoor-Makkekadavu – to provide relief for daily commuters and freight vehicles. However, work in certain areas remains suspended due to administrative delays, particularly in relocating extra high-tension power lines and energising underground cables under the Kerala State Electricity Board. Despite setbacks, the project is a testament to Kerala’s push towards resilient, future-ready infrastructure. Beyond reducing travel time and fuel consumption, the elevated highway is expected to bring long-term environmental benefits by streamlining vehicular flow and curbing emissions caused by frequent idling in traffic.
Once completed, the corridor will serve as a model for how urban mobility projects in dense regions can balance efficiency with eco-conscious design. While the current pain points are undeniable, the promise of a faster, safer, and greener transport route could be a game-changer for Kerala’s infrastructure ambitions.
Also Read : Chennai Plans Digital Fix for Road Cut Delays
