Green Light for Ernakulam's Bypass Bonanza

The Central government has fast-tracked two key bypass projects in Ernakulam district, aimed at decongesting traffic along the heavily used NH-544 and NH-66 corridors.

Key Projects:

Angamaly–Kodungallur Bypass (20 km):
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this bypass, which will help divert traffic from the busy NH-66 stretch.

Angamaly–Kundannoor Bypass (44 km) – also known as the Kochi New Bypass:
A revised 3A notification for this project is set to be issued in October 2025. The bypass will connect Karayamparambu near Angamaly to Kundannoor, offering major relief to Kochi city traffic, particularly for those traveling to Cochin International Airport and onward to Thiruvananthapuram via NH-66.

Chalakudy MP Benny Behanan confirmed the developments following assurances from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

The initial 3A notification, issued in August 2024, had lapsed due to delays in land acquisition. However, a recent review chaired by Industries Minister P. Rajeeve confirmed that pending surveys will be completed within two months of reissuance.

Notably, land requirements have been reduced from 290 hectares to 201 hectares, with 160 hectares already surveyed and 19.5 hectares excluded from the revised alignment.

These projects are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity and reduce travel time and congestion across critical stretches in Kerala’s commercial capital.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.