Kozhikode’s Korapuzha bridge, part of the Ramanattukara–Vengalam stretch on NH‑66, has been opened to traffic, marking a major milestone in Kerala’s six‑lane highway upgrade and promising enhanced connectivity across the region. The National Highways Authority confirmed that the 28.4 km six‑lane upgrade of national highway between Ramanattukara and Vengalam is entering its final phase.
While vehicular access is now live, a few finishing touches—painting, road marking, pedestrian amenities and a short sewage conduit in Chevaramabalam—are expected to be wrapped up by the month’s end. The newly operational Korapuzha bridge directly links communities such as Purakkatiri, Mambuzha and Arapuzha, while a 45‑metre overpass at Vengeri and Malaparambu has also opened. In total, this corridor includes fourteen tunnels and six flyovers, underscoring the engineering intensity of the corridor upgrade .
Following local reporting on accident‑prone sections near Vengeri, speed breakers have been installed at four critical merge zones on the overpass, echoing citizen safety concerns. Stretching over 1,160 ha, the NH‑66 expansion is aimed at decongesting traffic from city roads, slashing transit times and easing emissions—a key element in Kerala’s low‑carbon infrastructure drive. The project’s broader objective is to connect suburbs and rural hubs via improved mobility while mitigating environmental impact through fewer idling vehicles.
Despite its progress, the corridor is not without vulnerabilities. A service‑road section at Malaparamba suffered a collapse after monsoon rains, highlighting gaps in drainage planning. Engineers are now reinforcing drainage infrastructure and reconstructing compromised sections. Crack formation on other flyovers, such as those at Thiruvangoor and Ambalapadi, have prompted safety inspections and repair efforts, with authorities attributing these to construction‑phase joint gaps. Toll‑plaza works are also advancing: a dual complex near Pantheerankavu has been completed, although toll collection is yet to commence. Meanwhile, service‑road closures to address misalignment and safety concerns have created temporary inconveniences for local residents.
Despite these teething issues, commuters and residents express cautious optimism. Many note smoother travel times once construction concludes—some even report 100 km/h cruising speeds on bypass sections . Yet others emphasise the need for better civic coordination—especially at entry and exit points—to avoid bottlenecks and accidents . Following the structural opening, remaining tasks include pedestrian railings, street‑lighting, signalisation and a small-scale sewage channel near Chevaramabalam. Authorities aim to complete these by month’s end, ensuring safety compliance before the formal highway inauguration .
This corridor upgrade represents a pivotal stride for Kerala’s low‑carbon urban planning. By threading eco‑aware design with enhanced regional mobility, the project fosters equitable access and aligns with India’s national infrastructure goals. Yet its true success hinges on sustained quality control and civic‑infrastructure synergy.
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