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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved a revised design for the Enchakkal flyover approach roads in Thiruvananthapuram, allowing construction to resume after a prolonged halt. The updated plan replaces retaining walls with additional structural pillars to address safety concerns arising from similar failures elsewhere in Kerala. The project, valued at approximately INR 47 crore, is a key intervention along the NH-66 corridor aimed at easing congestion near the airport junction. With the southwest monsoon approaching in the coming weeks, contractors have been directed to accelerate pending works, particularly approach roads and drainage systems. The flyover forms part of broader efforts to improve urban mobility and streamline traffic flow across critical access routes in the state capital.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) approved a revised design for the Enchakkal flyover project in Thiruvananthapuram in the past week, enabling construction to resume after months of delay, with the modification aimed at improving structural safety and ensuring timely completion ahead of the approaching monsoon season. Advertisement
The revised plan pertains specifically to the approach roads of the flyover, where earlier designs had proposed the use of retaining walls on either side. Under the updated design, these retaining walls have been replaced with four additional supporting pillars on both the northern and southern sides. This change follows safety concerns triggered by recent retaining wall collapses reported in other parts of Kerala, prompting a reassessment of structural stability for the Enchakkal project.
With approval now in place, the contractor, Cherian Varkey Constructions Ltd, has resumed on-site activity and begun mobilising resources to expedite execution. Officials indicated that priority would be given to completing critical components such as approach road structures and drainage systems, particularly as the southwest monsoon is expected within a short timeframe. The accelerated construction schedule is intended to minimise weather-related disruptions and prevent further delays.
The Enchakkal flyover project, estimated at around INR 47 crore, is being developed along the NH-66 corridor and is aimed at addressing persistent congestion at Enchakkal Junction, one of the busiest traffic nodes in Thiruvananthapuram. The junction serves as a key convergence point connecting routes from East Fort, Vallakadavu, Attakulangara, and Pettah, while also providing access towards Kovalam, Shanghumugham, and Vizhinjam.
Despite the earlier construction halt to revise the approach design, substantial progress has been achieved on the main structure, with all five spans of the flyover already completed. The focus has now shifted to finishing approach roads, lighting infrastructure, and other ancillary works required for operational readiness.
Officials indicated that the revised design prioritises long-term durability and structural integrity, reflecting lessons drawn from recent infrastructure failures elsewhere in the state. The incorporation of additional pillars is expected to provide greater load-bearing capacity and resilience under varying ground conditions.
Once completed, the flyover is expected to ease traffic congestion along the airport corridor and improve vehicular movement across the NH-66 stretch, which has historically experienced significant bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours. The project also includes urban infrastructure elements such as improved street lighting, in line with similar developments in the city.
The resumption of construction following design approval reflects the importance of timely technical interventions in infrastructure projects, particularly in regions with challenging climatic and soil conditions. With execution now back on track, the project is expected to progress towards completion, subject to weather conditions and site-level execution timelines.
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