Vazhayila-Nedumangad Road: Phase Two Gears Up for July Start

The second phase of the long-awaited Vazhayila–Nedumangad road widening project is scheduled to begin construction in July, according to officials. The upcoming phase will cover a 10-kilometer stretch between Karakulam and Valicode, with the tender process set to begin next month.

Significant headway has been made in compensating landowners affected by this phase. Of the 312 landowners identified, 177 have already received full compensation. Compensation for an additional 25 landowners is currently being processed at the district collectorate and is expected to be disbursed next week. Authorities are optimistic that compensation for the remaining landowners will be completed by July, allowing the government to proceed with tendering as planned. Under current regulations, at least 80% of landowners must be compensated before tenders for construction can be issued.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister G.R. Anil, who is overseeing the project, reaffirmed the government's commitment to completing the entire Vazhayila–Nedumangad stretch within its current term. “Compensation for the second reach will be completed by July, and the tendering for the third reach will begin in September. We expect the full stretch from Vazhayila to Nedumangad to be completed by the first quarter of 2026,” he told the Times of India.

Minister Anil also shared updates on the Karakulam flyover—an essential part of the project—saying pillar construction is nearing completion. The first reach, from Vazhayila to Keltron Junction (including the flyover), is slated for completion by December. Cherian Varkey Constructions is executing this phase. The flyover, spanning 375 meters with 300-meter approach roads on either side, is being built at a cost of ₹50 crore. The Kerala Road Fund Board is the implementing agency for the entire project.

The road widening spans 11.3 kilometers and is being executed in three phases, with separate tenders for each. Survey work for the third phase—from Valicode to Nedumangad—is currently underway. The total stretch includes 9.5 kilometers from Vazhayila to Pazhakutty, plus a 1.2-kilometer extension from Pazhakutty petrol pump junction to the 11th milestone in Nedumangad.

Construction of the first phase began five months ago. As part of a broader rehabilitation initiative, eligible displaced individuals and business owners occupying encroached land have received compensation ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹2 lakh.

The project marks a major step forward in improving regional infrastructure and is expected to significantly enhance road connectivity between Thiruvananthapuram and Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.