Kochi Port Connectivity National Highway (NH 966-B) has been delayed due to a demand for a change in its proposed route. The Cochin Port Authority (CPA) has requested a revised alignment that would shift parts of the highway closer to the backwaters near Willingdon Island, citing concerns over upcoming development projects in the region.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Highways Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) have agreed to the change, but with a caveat: the CPA will need to provide an additional ₹100 crore to cover the costs of this 2.20-kilometre realignment. The revised route would require more land near the backwaters, leading to a significant increase in project expenses. Originally planned to connect Nettoor on the Vyttila-Aroor NH 66 bypass with the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) Junction on Willingdon Island, the highway was designed to alleviate traffic congestion at the Kundannoor junction and improve access to the port. The corridor would bypass key bottlenecks, including the heavily congested Kundannoor-Thevara and Alexander Parambithara bridges, as well as the Mattancherry BOT Bridge Junction.
However, the project has faced delays for over a year, primarily due to disagreements over land acquisition and the alignment route. While the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) approved the original plan in November 2023, the CPA raised concerns about the highway passing through land adjacent to the backwaters, which is earmarked for hospitality and tourism developments. This prompted the CPA to conduct a detailed review of its land-use plans, further slowing progress. Despite these hurdles, officials believe the project remains crucial for enhancing Kochi’s port infrastructure.
The highway is expected to significantly improve connectivity, facilitate smoother cargo movement, and reduce travel time for both passenger vehicles and commercial transport. The initial deadline for completion was set for September 2025, with an 18-month construction period. However, the new alignment and additional funding may push the timeline further. The CPA has assured that a final decision on the revised alignment will be made soon, after evaluating the updated plans and completing necessary formalities. Officials also emphasized the need to align the project with the region’s broader development goals, including future tourism initiatives on Willingdon Island.
The delay in the highway project comes at a critical time when the Kochi port is under pressure to improve its operational efficiency amid growing competition from neighbouring ports. The connectivity project is seen as a key driver for the port’s growth, offering a long-term solution to traffic congestion and boosting the region’s economic potential.
