Kochi Bypass Land Survey Nears Completion by August 15 Deadline
Kochi, the survey for the crucial Kundannur-Angamaly National Highway 544 Bypass corridor, known as the Kochi Bypass, faces an August 15 deadline for completion as mandated by the Revenue department. This essential survey is the groundwork for acquiring an estimated 290 hectares of land needed for the 44.70-kilometer greenfield highway. Once finished, the bypass is anticipated to significantly ease severe traffic congestion on the current Edappally-Aroor NH 66 bypass and the Edappally-Angamaly NH 544 stretch, both of which currently struggle with immense daily vehicle volumes.
To ensure this critical August 15 deadline is met, surveyors have been strategically positioned across all 18 villages that fall along the proposed highway’s alignment. This intensive effort is vital because the one-year validity period of the 3(A) notification for the land acquisition process is set to expire on August 28. Officials have stressed that the subsequent 3(D) notification, which will provide detailed information on land types, existing structures, vegetation, and their monetary valuations, must be officially published before this expiry date to avoid restarting the initial notification process. Valuation reports from various governmental bodies, including the Public Works Department’s Buildings wing, Agriculture, and Forest departments, will be integrated into this crucial phase.
The survey process had earlier encountered delays due to an insufficient number of surveyors and challenges in accurately placing boundary stones along the proposed alignment. However, department officials have now issued clear directives for all necessary details to be consolidated and submitted by the first week of August. There are also plans to deploy additional personnel to accelerate the required paperwork. Once constructed, this six-lane greenfield corridor, connecting Netoor to Karayamparambu, promises to dramatically reduce travel times and alleviate the acute traffic hold-ups currently experienced on the existing routes.
Local action councils, including a representative committee from Thiruvankulam village, have been actively engaging with government representatives to fast-track the project and secure fair compensation for affected landowners. Similarly, a municipal action council has been formed to advocate for compensation strictly adhering to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. This ensures equitable treatment for those whose land and buildings are acquired for this vital infrastructure development, aiming for a swift and just resolution.
