Canal’s New Horizon: Kovalam-Akkulam Stretch Set for Major Widening

The long-awaited widening of the Kovalam–Akkulam stretch of the Parvathy Puthanar canal—a critical segment of Kerala’s flagship Kovalam–Bekal inland waterway project—is moving closer to implementation, with land acquisition, rehabilitation, and funding processes reaching advanced stages.

Kerala Waterways Infrastructure Ltd (KWIL), the agency leading the initiative, expects to secure financial sanction from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) by December 2025. Tendering for the widening works is scheduled to commence in January 2026.

Spanning 18 km, the upgraded canal stretch will establish seamless connectivity from Kovalam through Thiruvananthapuram to Akkulam, enhancing both passenger movement and sustainable cargo transport.

According to KWIL, a detailed project has been formulated for the acquisition of 986 ares of land, supported by an estimated ₹124.74 crore in financial assistance from KIIFB. Surveys and preliminary notifications have been issued in multiple villages, with further land acquisition planned near Kovalam boat jetty and Panathura.

Prepared by NATPAC, the Detailed Project Report (DPR), with an estimated cost of ₹183.5 crore, outlines comprehensive infrastructure improvements including structural enhancements, retaining walls, jetties, bridges, and landscaping. The project is designed to make the canal fully navigable while also promoting tourism and eco-friendly development.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.