Thammanam-Pullepady Road Development in Ernakulam Gains Momentum as Land Acquisition Process Nears Completion
A project that has been on the drawing board for decades is finally becoming a reality. The Thammanam-Pullepady road development, aimed at improving east-west connectivity in the city of Ernakulam, has seen significant progress as the land acquisition process nears completion. The Public Works Department (PWD) in Kerala is now set to take the reins of the development, following the handover of land by the revenue department.
As part of the Thammanam-Pullepady project, which spans a 3.68 km stretch, authorities have focused on acquiring land in Ernakulam and Poonithura villages. So far, 163 acres have been surrendered voluntarily by landowners, in addition to the 54 acres already acquired by the civic body. The project has received significant support from the local community, with many landowners recognising the long-term benefits of improved infrastructure and reduced traffic congestion. A recent project review meeting, led by Ernakulam Mayor M Anil Kumar and District Collector NSK Umesh, underscored the importance of completing land acquisition swiftly. “The process of acquiring the remaining land will be completed in a week, and we expect the notification related to the acquisitions to be issued by April,” said Mayor Anil Kumar, adding that the process will be concluded before June 2025, barring any legal complications.
The ambitious plan, which will see the 3.68 km road corridor developed into a four-lane highway, has been approved with the objective of easing traffic congestion in the area. The road will connect MG Road and the National Highway (NH) bypass, providing smoother and more efficient traffic flow in a region that has long been affected by heavy congestion. The funding for the project, amounting to Rs 150 crore, has been allocated by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), with the amount earmarked for land acquisition. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the road and bridge has already been approved, with the survey for the works completed. The next steps will focus on the technical and social aspects of the development, including the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) that will begin next month.
A key concern that officials have highlighted is the road’s current narrow width, which results in regular traffic bottlenecks, especially during peak hours. Once completed, the wider, four-lane road will provide much-needed relief to commuters, improving the quality of life for residents in the region. The development is expected to reduce travel time, enhance safety, and cater to the growing traffic demand in the city. The involvement of local officials and the community has been crucial in pushing the project forward, with many stakeholders expressing hope that the upgraded infrastructure will drive economic growth in Ernakulam. “This road development is vital for improving the city’s connectivity. It’s a much-needed solution to the traffic problems that plague the area,” remarked Hibi Eden, Member of Parliament for Ernakulam, who also attended the review meeting.
For local residents and businesses, the Thammanam-Pullepady road development is more than just a construction project – it’s a much-needed improvement in the city’s transport network. With major infrastructure projects like this one in the pipeline, the future of Ernakulam looks promising. In a growing urban space that is quickly evolving, enhanced road connectivity will not only address current traffic concerns but also pave the way for smoother urban mobility in the years to come. The project is expected to be a significant boost for the economy as it supports better access to commercial zones, reduces congestion, and enhances the overall commuting experience for residents. In the coming months, as the land acquisition process is finalised and work begins, the eyes of the city will be on how quickly and efficiently the project progresses. With local officials actively overseeing the project and maintaining momentum, the vision for a modern, well-connected Ernakulam is steadily becoming a reality.
