To address frequent accidents and heavy congestion on NH 66 between Kazhakkoottam and Kovalam, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has announced the construction of an 800-meter-long flyover at Kumarichantha Junction. Soil testing is currently underway, and the contract for the project has already been awarded.
Debaprasad Sahoo, Project Director of NHAI Thiruvananthapuram, emphasized the necessity of the flyover to ensure smooth traffic flow along the Chackai-Kovalam stretch. The flyover will feature approach roads on both sides, 15-meter retaining walls, and two support pillars at the junction. The project, estimated at Rs 220 million, is expected to be completed within 12 months, with piling work scheduled to begin after soil testing.
NHAI is also preparing a detailed project report (DPR) to install streetlights at accident-prone black spots along NH 66. Key locations, including Venpalavattom and Muttathara overpasses, Enchakkal flyover, Kumarichantha flyover, and Thiruvallam service bridge, will be illuminated. Additionally, Lulu Mall is installing streetlights on the median from the mall to MGM Public School.
In a related development, the state archaeology department has granted permission for the construction of a service bridge at Thiruvallam. This decision follows earlier concerns about the proximity of construction activities to the historic Parasurama Temple, a site of significant archaeological importance.
(TOI)
