The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has granted approval for the construction of the approach roads to the flyover being built at Enchakkal, thereby removing a significant obstacle that had hindered the project. The approval was issued by the NHAI regional office, permitting the contractor to resume and expedite the outstanding work ahead of the southwest monsoon.
The updated design represents a notable shift from the previous plan. Rather than utilizing retaining walls on both sides of the approach road, the new proposal incorporates the addition of four extra pillars on the northern and southern sides to enhance structural integrity. This modification follows recent incidents of retaining wall collapses reported in Kottiyam and Kooriyadu, which raised safety issues and necessitated a reassessment of the Enchakkal design.
“The revised design emphasizes long-term safety and durability. In light of recent occurrences in other parts of the state, we opted for a more structurally secure solution by implementing additional pillars instead of retaining walls,” stated an NHAI official. “With the approval now secured, the contractor has been directed to accelerate work to ensure that essential components are finished prior to the arrival of the monsoon,” he added.
With only 45 days left before the southwest monsoon is anticipated to reach Kerala, the contractor, Cherian Varkey Constructions Ltd, has commenced mobilizing resources to expedite the project. Officials have indicated that completing the approach road structures and drainage systems will be prioritized to mitigate weather-related disruptions.
The Enchakkal flyover, which is being constructed at an estimated cost of approximately ₹47 crore, is a vital infrastructure initiative aimed at alleviating traffic congestion along the heavily trafficked airport corridor in Thiruvananthapuram. The project was temporarily suspended in recent months specifically to revise the design of the approach roads, particularly on the northern and southern stretches, which raised concerns among commuters and local residents.
Despite the delays, the construction of all five spans of the flyover has been completed, indicating significant advancement on the core structure. Attention has now turned to the completion of the approach roads, lighting, and ancillary works. In accordance with contemporary urban infrastructure standards, the flyover will also incorporate street lighting akin to that installed on the Chackai flyover, thereby enhancing both visibility and aesthetics along the route.
NHAI officials have expressed confidence that the revised plan will avert future structural problems and guarantee the project’s timely completion. “We are aiming for completion by September, assuming that weather conditions remain favorable and there are no additional unforeseen challenges,” the official remarked.
Upon completion, the Enchakkal flyover is anticipated to significantly improve vehicular movement towards the airport and surrounding areas, thereby reducing bottlenecks and enhancing overall traffic flow in one of the city’s busiest transit corridors. Enchakkal Junction has been a major bottleneck due to considerable traffic congestion, which has increased the necessity for a flyover.
This initiative is designed to facilitate smoother vehicular movement from Kovalam, Shanghumugham, and Vizhinjam to the city center, while simultaneously alleviating congestion at this crucial junction. Located along the busy Kazhakkoottam-Mukkola NH corridor, the junction acts as a convergence point for roads originating from East Fort, Vallakadavu, Attakulangara, and Pettah-Enchakkal.
Notably, traffic congestion has worsened along the Chackai to Kovalam service road, often leaving vehicles stationary for 15 to 20 minutes. This bottleneck has consequently disrupted traffic flow on adjacent roads.
