Prolonged delays in the Kumarichantha flyover construction have disrupted daily commutes across Thiruvananthapuram, with the Ambalathara–Poonthura road remaining closed for over eight months. While initially shut to expedite flyover work along NH-66, the project has stalled for four months due to technical setbacks. The road closure has forced thousands onto narrow, congested bylanes, escalating travel time, safety risks, and community unrest. As frustrations grow, authorities face increasing pressure to reopen the road and revise the flyover design.
The Kumarichantha flyover, part of the NH-66 upgrade project connecting Kazhakootam and Kovalam, was expected to ease traffic congestion and improve road safety at a critical junction. However, construction has remained stalled for months, causing severe inconvenience for local residents, shopkeepers, and thousands of commuters. The continued closure of the Ambalathara–Poonthura stretch has diverted traffic onto unsafe, narrow routes, exacerbating congestion and raising accident risks. Local communities are increasingly voicing concerns that the current design—a 20-metre embankment with a two-pillar structure—fails to accommodate the area’s urban density and traffic needs. Many believe a longer-span structure supported by four pillars would better decongest Kumarichantha Junction and preserve local businesses. Civic groups and local traders argue that the present plan prioritises technical shortcuts over community impact. The mounting frustration reflects deeper dissatisfaction with the pace and inclusivity of urban infrastructure development in Kerala’s capital city.
Authorities overseeing the project assert that the flyover remains essential to address the area’s long-standing accident history. The proposed 800-metre flyover includes a 15-metre retaining wall and rises 5.5 metres above ground, designed to streamline highway traffic movement. However, soil testing and piling work—key steps in early execution—have seen repeated delays. The project’s estimated cost of ₹22 crore underscores the significance of completing it efficiently. Meanwhile, resident protests continue, with citizens calling for road reopening until construction resumes in earnest. Experts stress the importance of maintaining access during phased flyover development to prevent undue harm to neighbourhood mobility and livelihoods. Calls for a more community-centric design have gained traction, especially given the economic impact on roadside vendors and small businesses. For many in Thiruvananthapuram, this episode highlights a growing disconnect between infrastructure planning and localised needs. The urgency now lies in bridging this gap before public trust erodes further.
Thiruvananthapuram’s stalled flyover project has become a symbol of misplaced priorities and poor execution. With the Ambalathara–Poonthura road closed for months and no active work progressing, local life has been thrown off balance. Public appeals for design revisions and road reopening reflect a deeper demand for transparency and inclusivity in civic projects. As traffic congestion worsens and safety concerns rise, the onus is now on project authorities to deliver not just infrastructure but accountability. Moving forward, meaningful engagement with communities will be crucial in ensuring the project meets both technical requirements and the lived realities of those it affects.
