Thiruvananthapuram: After months of uncertainty and mounting public frustration over worsening traffic congestion, construction of the long-delayed Enchakkal flyover is set to resume, with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the contractor reaching an understanding to restart the project at the earliest.The breakthrough came during a meeting convened by NHAI on Thursday with representatives of Cherian Varkey Constructions Ltd, the agency executing the Rs 47-crore project. According to officials, the contractor assured NHAI that work would resume as soon as possible, while a fresh agreement would be signed to execute the remaining spans on either side of the flyover.The project came to a standstill after NHAI decided to revise the design of the flyover’s approach structures. Instead of the originally planned reinforced earth retaining walls, the authority opted to construct additional pillar-supported spans on both northern and southern approaches following safety concerns raised after retaining wall failures reported elsewhere in Kerala. The redesign required fresh approvals and revised contractual arrangements, resulting in months of delay.“We are in the process of executing a supplementary agreement covering the revised scope of work for additional spans. Our priority is to expedite construction and complete the project at the earliest while ensuring structural safety and quality,” a senior NHAI official said.Enchakkal Junction is one of the busiest intersections in the state capital, connecting traffic from East Fort, Vallakadavu, Pettah, Chackai, Shanghumugham, Kovalam and Vizhinjam. Since construction began, lane restrictions and barricades have significantly narrowed the carriageway, leading to long traffic queues during peak hours. The prolonged suspension of work further aggravated the situation, with commuters frequently spending over 30 minutes negotiating the bottleneck.The four-lane flyover extends from near Chackai flyover to Muttathara overpass and was originally designed with nine spans of about 25m each. While the main flyover structure has already been completed, the remaining works include the newly designed approach spans, approach roads, drainage, lighting and other ancillary facilities.Once completed, the flyover is expected to substantially ease congestion at Enchakkal Junction and improve traffic flow along the busy NH 66 corridor leading to the airport, Vizhinjam International Seaport and southern parts of Thiruvananthapuram.
