Edappally–Aroor Elevated Highway Moves Forward as NHAI Appoints Consultant for Revised DPR

The National Highways Authority of India has taken a decisive step towards unlocking one of Kochi’s most critical urban infrastructure projects by appointing Highway Engineering Consultant to prepare a revised Detailed Project Report for the long delayed Edappally Aroor elevated highway.

The project has remained in limbo for months due to complex design conflicts, primarily arising from the proposed JLN Stadium Kakkanad Metro corridor and its viaduct crossing at the busy Palarivattom junction. Earlier alignment plans failed to fully integrate the metro infrastructure, prompting NHAI to seek revisions to avoid future structural and traffic conflicts.

According to officials, the revised alignment report submitted by the consultant has now been accepted by the NHAI project office in Kochi, paving the way for preparation of the updated DPR. The work was awarded following a public tender process, and DPR preparation has already commenced. Authorities expect the report to be completed within the next few months.

The elevated highway is a vital missing link on NH 66, especially as other stretches of the Kasaragod Thiruvananthapuram corridor near completion. NHAI has already decided that elevated structures will be built parallel to existing flyovers at the Vyttila and Kundannoor junctions to ensure smoother traffic movement and continuity along the corridor.

Further attention is being given to the complex Nettoor junction, where multiple highways converge, including the proposed Angamaly Kundannoor Kochi bypass, NH 966B to Willingdon Island, and the Theni Kochi highway. NHAI is considering a cloverleaf flyover at this location, though alignment uncertainty linked to opposition from the Cochin Port Authority continues to influence final decisions.

Traffic experts warn that continued delays to the Edappally Aroor stretch could create a major bottleneck in Kochi’s urban road network. The existing corridor already handles over one lakh passenger car units daily, a figure expected to rise sharply once six lane works on adjoining stretches are completed.

With DPR preparation finally underway, stakeholders are hopeful that construction timelines will soon be firmed up, bringing long awaited relief to commuters and strengthening Kerala’s coastal highway connectivity. The project is expected to significantly improve logistics efficiency and daily commuting reliability.