Thiruvananthapuram: In a major move to ease worsening traffic congestion along the NH-66 bypass in the state capital, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated feasibility studies for two new pillar-based flyovers—one in front of Technopark Phase III at Attipra, and the other at the Lords Hospital Junction. The proposed structures are among a series of interventions NHAI is planning to improve traffic flow on one of Kerala’s busiest national highway corridors, which carries a mix of long-distance, IT commuter and local traffic through the day. Consultants have begun collecting traffic data and conducting preliminary studies as part of the detailed project report (DPR) preparation, according to NHAI sources. The studies will assess existing and projected traffic volumes, turning movements, road geometry, utility-shifting requirements and engineering feasibility before the flyover designs are finalised. The authority is considering pillar-based elevated structures to minimise land acquisition and reduce disruption to traffic during construction. The projects are being prioritised in response to severe traffic bottlenecks that have emerged after the widening of the NH-66 corridor and the rapid growth of residential and commercial developments along the stretch, an NHAI official said. “We have initiated feasibility studies as part of the DPR preparation for pillar-based flyovers at Technopark Phase III junction and Lords Hospital junction. Traffic pattern analysis is currently underway, and the findings will determine the final design and alignment. The objective is to ensure uninterrupted movement on the NH-66 while improving connectivity for local traffic,” the official said, adding that tender proceedings will begin after the DPR evaluation, expected within a month. The flyover proposed near Technopark Phase III assumes significance as the junction serves thousands of IT professionals commuting to the country’s largest IT park every day. Traffic congestion during morning and evening peak hours has become routine, with vehicles often queuing for several hundred metres on both sides of the highway. The Lords Hospital Junction, another major congestion point on the bypass, sees heavy traffic due to hospital access, nearby residential areas and vehicles entering and exiting service roads. Local residents and commuters have long demanded a permanent fix for the delays at the junction. The two proposed flyovers are being studied alongside the planned flyover at Kumarichantha junction, where NHAI has already begun technical studies and design revisions after concerns were raised over the earlier proposal. The authority has been revisiting the design to adopt a predominantly pillar-based structure with minimal soil filling, following public objections and safety concerns.
