Edappally Flyovers to Transform Kochi’s Busiest NH66–NH544 Junction by 2026

Kochi is set to witness a significant upgrade to one of its most critical traffic corridors as the Union government advances work on the long-pending Edappally flyover project. Located at the busy intersection of National Highway 66 and National Highway 544, the Edappally junction has for years remained a major bottleneck in Kerala’s urban road network, impacting daily commuters, public transport, and freight movement.

According to officials, two flyovers being constructed at the NH66–NH544 junction are now firmly scheduled for completion by May 2026. Structural works on both grade-separated corridors have been completed, while the current phase focuses on approach roads, service lanes, and integration with existing carriageways. Once operational, the flyovers are expected to reduce signal dependency and ease the stop-and-go traffic that has become routine at the junction.

Edappally serves as a vital gateway within Kochi, carrying heavy inter-city traffic alongside intense local movement from surrounding residential areas, hospitals, educational institutions, and large retail hubs. This mix of traffic has long strained road capacity, particularly during peak hours. The Union road transport ministry has acknowledged that land constraints, utility shifting, and coordination challenges in a dense urban setting contributed to earlier delays.

In addition to physical infrastructure, the project includes the introduction of intelligent traffic management systems. These systems will enable real-time monitoring, adaptive signalling, and quicker incident response, helping authorities manage traffic more efficiently. Transport experts note that such technology-led interventions are increasingly necessary for cities like Kochi, where vehicle numbers continue to rise.

Urban planners, however, stress that flyovers alone are not a complete solution. Their long-term success depends on supporting measures such as improved public transport integration, pedestrian safety, and better last-mile connectivity. At Edappally, careful balancing of speed, accessibility, and safety will be key to maximising the benefits of the project.

As Kochi strengthens its role as a commercial and logistics hub along India’s western coast, the Edappally flyovers are viewed as a critical step towards improving urban mobility and economic efficiency.