Kochi Airport Connectivity Crisis: Urgent Push for Seaport–Airport Road Phase II

Kochi, Kerala’s busiest gateway for international travellers, is facing a growing connectivity crisis. The Edappally–Aluva–Athani stretch of National Highway 544, the primary route to Cochin International Airport (CIAL), has become heavily congested despite multiple interventions. This gridlock not only inconveniences flyers but also affects the airport’s role as a growth driver for the region.

CIAL handles an annual footfall of over 1.12 crore passengers, making seamless connectivity vital. However, frequent bottlenecks at choke points such as the Marthanda Varma bridge in Aluva and Edappally Toll Junction have turned airport travel into a daily struggle. Commuters report delays of up to 14.5 minutes, far higher than the city’s average, forcing some to depend on the Kochi Metro and feeder buses.

Urban experts stress that the long-delayed Seaport–Airport Road Phase II is the only sustainable solution. First proposed more than two decades ago, this extension aims to connect Kalamassery HMT Road to CIAL through a four-lane corridor, bypassing NH 544 entirely. Once completed, it is expected to provide direct access from economic hubs to the airport, easing pressure on existing routes.

The state government has recently moved the project forward. Authorities have sanctioned ₹17.31 crore for initial works on a 600-metre stretch between HMT and NAD, with tenders expected soon. Land acquisition for the 6.5 km NAD–Mahilalayam segment is nearing completion, supported by ₹569.34 crore allocated by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

Industries Minister P. Rajeeve has assured that construction will be fast-tracked, describing the project as a critical infrastructure priority. Civic groups and residents’ associations have also urged CIAL to fund connecting roads under its CSR initiatives, highlighting the urgency of improved last-mile connectivity.

For a city positioning itself as a global investment hub, efficient airport access is non-negotiable. With passenger traffic rising steadily, expediting Seaport–Airport Road Phase II could transform Kochi’s connectivity, ease traveller woes, and reinforce Kerala’s reputation as a global gateway.