Alignment Uncertainties Stall Edappally–Aroor Elevated Highway and Kochi Bypass Projects.

Major highway projects in Kochi, including the proposed Edappally–Aroor elevated highway and a new bypass, have hit a roadblock due to ongoing uncertainty over the alignment of NH 966B. This new highway, which is planned to run from Nettoor to Willingdon Island, has created a cascade of issues for all converging roads at the Nettoor intersection.

Nettoor is a crucial junction where multiple highways—including the Angamaly–Kundannoor bypass (NH 544), NH 966B, and the Edappally–Aroor elevated highway on NH 66—are set to meet. The lack of a finalized design for this central intersection is now delaying the entire network of projects.

Cochin Port Authority Delays

According to a recent statement by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is considering a cloverleaf flyover at Nettoor to manage the traffic flow. However, the alignment of NH 966B remains in limbo due to opposition from the Cochin Port Authority (CPA).

Although the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) approved the new 45-meter-wide corridor in November 2023, the CPA has requested more time to finalize its decision on the highway's exact route through Willingdon Island.

A revised alignment report, including the cloverleaf proposal, has been submitted to NHAI's Kochi office. However, officials are concerned that the indecision at Nettoor will affect the designs of all connecting projects.

Ripple Effect on Kochi Bypass

An official from the NHAI office in Palakkad noted that the confusion is a new hurdle for the Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass project. "The government wants clarity over the endpoint of the highway at Nettoor and the alignment of all roads converging there," the official said, adding that the lack of resolution may cause further delays.

A source from the Kochi office echoed this concern, stating that the indefinite delay in finalizing the alignments makes the entire design of the intersection uncertain and creates a significant fresh hurdle for all the infrastructure projects.