Sun Feb 02 19:26:05 UTC 2025: **Kochi’s East-West Connectivity Project Remains Stagnant Despite Urgent Need**
KOCHI, KERALA – February 3, 2025 – A 15-year-old proposal to extend a four-lane road corridor eastward from Chakkaraparambu Junction to the Seaport-Airport Road in Kochi remains unimplemented, despite persistent calls for improved east-west connectivity. The project, which aims to alleviate severe traffic congestion and address safety concerns at the accident-prone Chakkaraparambu Junction, is hampered by a lack of state funding.
Residents, NGOs, and local representatives have long advocated for the extension, highlighting the inadequacy of narrow, encroached byroads currently connecting the National Highway Bypass to Kakkanad and Thripunithura. They argue that the extension would significantly improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.
While land acquisition for another road corridor is progressing, the Chakkaraparambu-Seaport-Airport Road extension remains stalled. Kochi Corporation Councillor K.B. Harshal suggests funding the project through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board, noting that the alignment mostly traverses fallow land. He also emphasizes the need for timely funding to improve several congested junctions along the proposed route.
Sources within the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala indicate that the project could have been completed in phases had the state government provided the necessary funds. The delay continues to cause significant inconvenience to Kochi residents.
First Piper 