Thirumala-Thrikkannapuram Road Set for April Opening, Promising Major Traffic Relief
Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant development for the city's southern suburbs, the long-awaited Thirumala-Thrikkannapuram Road is projected to open to the public by the end of April. This key arterial link connects the city to Vellayani Junction on the Karamana–Kaliyikkavila interstate highway, and its completion is expected to bring substantial relief to daily commuters who have endured severe delays for years.
Project Progress and Milestones Achieved
According to official sources, the first layer of bituminous macadam (BM) tarring has been successfully completed on the stretch from Thrikkannapuram to Plavila near Kunnapuzha. This marks a critical milestone in the project's timeline. Work is now actively progressing on the remaining segment from Plavila to Puthenkada, where the Thirumala Road converges with Thrikkannapuram. This section is anticipated to be finished by mid-April.
A major bottleneck that has historically delayed the project—utility shifting—is scheduled to commence within the next two weeks along the Puthenkada–Thirumala Junction stretch. Coordinated efforts are underway with key agencies including the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to prevent any further setbacks.
Official Confidence and Project Details
A senior Public Works Department (PWD) official closely associated with the project expressed strong confidence in the timeline. "With the major civil works nearing completion, we are confident of opening the road to traffic by the end of April. Only finishing works and utility adjustments will remain in certain stretches," the official stated.
The ambitious project involves upgrading the existing 3.9-kilometer road into a modern four-lane corridor with an approximate width of 15 meters. The comprehensive design incorporates a central median, dedicated footpaths, advanced drainage systems, and robust retaining structures. With an estimated cost of Rs 29.6 crore, the initiative aims to alleviate persistent traffic congestion and dramatically enhance road conditions in the area.
Addressing Long-Standing Commuter Woes
For years, residents and commuters traveling between Thirumala, Nemom, Balaramapuram, and adjacent regions have faced considerable hardships due to the narrow and deteriorated state of the road. The upgraded corridor is poised to significantly reduce travel time and improve overall safety, particularly during peak traffic hours.
The project has faced its share of challenges, including delays stemming from land acquisition issues and the complex shifting of utility lines. However, progress has accelerated in recent months following improved inter-departmental coordination. Officials have also noted that, due to the model code of conduct currently in effect, the road will be opened to the public without a formal inauguration ceremony.
Enhanced Connectivity and Future Phases
Once operational, the new road is expected to substantially strengthen connectivity to the southern outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram and support smoother traffic flow towards the emerging Karamana–Kaliyikkavila interstate corridor. In the subsequent phase, drainage works and the construction of retaining walls along both sides of the road will be undertaken. These measures are crucial for ensuring long-term structural stability and addressing recurring waterlogging issues that have plagued the area.
Past delays in utility shifting had previously slowed progress, with the PWD and agencies like KSEB and KWA facing coordination challenges. Recent coordination meetings have proven effective in expediting the relocation process and resolving pending issues, paving the way for timely completion. The project is being executed by SL Constructions Ltd., under the supervision of the PWD.
