Sat Mar 22 05:15:44 UTC 2025: ## Kochi’s Container Road Redevelopment Nears Completion
**KOCHI, March 22, 2025** – The ₹130-crore redevelopment of Kochi’s Container Road (NH 966A) is nearing completion, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) finishing works on 14 of the 17-km corridor. The project, the first major upgrade since the road’s 2015 commissioning, includes significant safety improvements aimed at reducing accidents.
The NHAI is installing over 1,100 streetlights to address a long-standing issue of darkness contributing to accidents, particularly at night. The lack of lighting also led to increased crime and garbage dumping. Dozens of fatalities, mainly involving two-wheeler riders, have occurred over the past decade due to poor lighting, illegal parking, and insufficient reflectors.
The upgrade also involves resurfacing parts of the carriageway and approach slabs to bridges to prevent sinking and ensure a smoother ride. Service roads totaling 10.40 km are also being renovated. Safety features such as reflectors, concrete guide posts, and metal crash barriers are being added. Bridge repairs include micro-concreting of pedestals and replacement of bearings, approach slabs, and expansion joints. The entire corridor includes 12 major bridges, one minor bridge, and 35 culverts.
The improvements are a response to concerns raised by NGOs and the Container Road Vehicle Travellers’ Association. The completed project aims to provide a safer and more comfortable route connecting Kalamassery to the Vallarpadam Container Transshipment Terminal.
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