The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has set December as the revised deadline for completing the six-laning works on the 24-km-long Edappally-Moothakunnam stretch of NH 66, one of the busiest and most densely populated corridors on the highway.

Around 75% of the work on the stretch has been completed. The highway is being upgraded to enable vehicle speeds of 80 kmph to 100 kmph, NHAI sources said.

“The highway is being widened to 45 metres, including service roads, drains and allied infrastructure. Service roads will have a width of seven metres wherever land is available, to enable two-way movement of vehicles. Soil testing was carried out in May as part of the design process for the retaining walls along the corridor,” the sources said.

Bridges

While the newly constructed parallel bridge at Varapuzha was opened to traffic earlier this year, another bridge under construction at Moothakunnam is ready to be opened. The approach roads to the existing bridges along the 22-km stretch are currently being widened to ensure smoother traffic flow. Once the works are completed, the new bridges will have three lanes, while the existing bridges will continue to function with two lanes, the sources added.

Demand for Underpasses

Meanwhile, NGOs, residents’ associations and people’s representatives have renewed their demand for additional underpasses along the stretch to enable vehicles and pedestrians to cross the highway safely.

“The NHAI must construct an adequate number of underpasses as promised, since the Edappally-Moothakunnam stretch passes through densely populated areas with educational institutions and places of worship. For instance, there is no underpass along the 2.5-km stretch between Kunnumpuram Junction and the junction where NH 66 intersects the Container Road,” said Hashim Chendampilly, chairman of the NH Samyukta Samara Samithi.

He said it was high time the NHAI began work on the proposed underpass for light vehicles at Thykavu Junction, which it had promised during a stakeholders’ meeting. The junction is located roughly at the centre of the 2.5-km stretch. Underpasses are also needed at Koonammavu and Pattanam, he added.

Mr. Chendampilly said that NGOs and other groups raising the issue would not allow the remaining works to proceed unless the underpasses were constructed. He also demanded adequate drainage facilities along the highway to prevent waterlogging.

Meanwhile, the NHAI has expressed willingness to provide funds to local bodies to implement measures to prevent waterlogging along the Edappally-Kodungalloor stretch of NH 66. The move is expected to enable the smooth drainage of water from service roads to nearby waterbodies, sources said.