Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is embarking on a cost-saving initiative by integrating its metro viaduct with the proposed elevated highway along the 17-km Edappally-Aroor bypass, aiming to reduce combined construction expenses by approximately 20%, according to officials from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
The detailed project report (DPR) for the elevated highway is currently in preparation, concurrent with KMRL’s techno-feasibility study to merge the metro viaduct with the highway infrastructure. This integration is set to streamline alignment complexities and minimize land acquisition needs, crucially aligning both structures through the center of the bypass. “The integration process will require marginally increasing the column size of the viaduct, but will eliminate the duplicate land acquisition costs and construction redundancies that would arise from separate structures,” stated an official familiar with the project.
Currently, Kochi Metro’s phase-one viaduct spans across Edappally and Vyttila on the bypass, with phase-two anticipated to intersect at the Palarivattom Bypass Junction. The proposed integration aims to optimize urban transport connectivity, particularly along one of Kerala’s busiest national highway corridors. In addressing traffic congestion issues at Edappally, officials highlighted plans for a four-lane underpass linking the bypass with NH 66 towards Varapuzha. This underpass, proposed as a sustainable alternative to a flyover, promises a 50% reduction in construction costs due to its shorter and less steep design.
Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed vehicle underpasses at Edappally Junction, aiming to enhance traffic flow and reduce reliance on signal systems. These measures are part of broader efforts to decongest critical junctions and improve commuter experience across the metro and highway networks.
The upcoming stakeholders’ meeting in July will further deliberate on integrating metro extensions through the bypass and aligning them seamlessly with the Vyttila metro station, situated within the Vyttila Mobility Hub. As KMRL and NHAI collaborate on developing a comprehensive cost-sharing plan, the focus remains on optimizing infrastructure investments and enhancing transportation efficiency across Kochi’s expanding metro network.
