Thu Jul 24 20:05:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Residents of Kottuvally grama panchayat in Kerala, India, are protesting the lack of adequate underpasses on the Edappally-Muthakunnam NH 66 highway widening project. They argue the current number of underpasses and narrow service roads are insufficient for the densely populated area, which includes numerous schools, businesses, and other essential facilities. They fear increased traffic congestion, safety hazards for pedestrians and vehicles, potential flooding due to high retention walls, and negative impacts on local businesses. They are demanding adherence to Indian Roads Congress (IRC) norms and suggesting that an elevated highway would have been a better solution.

**News Article:**

**Kerala Residents Protest Lack of Underpasses on NH 66 Widening Project**

**KOCHI, INDIA – July 25, 2025:** Residents of the Kottuvally grama panchayat in Kerala have launched a relay “satyagraha” (peaceful protest) near the Koonammavu Market, demanding more underpasses along the Edappally-Muthakunnam section of National Highway 66 (NH 66), which is currently undergoing a six-lane expansion.

The protestors, comprised of residents, business owners, and community leaders, argue that the current infrastructure plans are inadequate for the densely populated 22-kilometer stretch. They claim that the number of underpasses being constructed is insufficient to accommodate the heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic in the area, which is home to numerous educational institutions, places of worship, businesses, and residential areas.

“The extremely narrow service roads make matters worse,” said Justin Elanjikal, a local resident. “A sole underpass cannot cater for tens of thousands of vehicles and pedestrians crossing over to the other side of NH 66.”

The Samara Samiti, the organizing body behind the protest, also raised concerns about the height of the retention walls along the highway, which they say could impede airflow and exacerbate potential congestion problems. They suggest that an elevated highway would have been a more suitable solution for the area.

Biju Pazhampilly, Convenor of the Samara Samiti, added that the current design poses significant safety risks and could negatively impact local businesses. Concerns were also raised about the potential for flooding due to non-adherence to Indian Roads Congress (IRC) norms.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had previously set a deadline of June 2025 for the completion of the six-laning project. While NHAI sources claim that the number of underpasses is adequate based on traffic assessments, protestors remain unconvinced and vow to continue their agitation until their demands are met. The protest highlights growing concerns about infrastructure development impacting local communities and the need for projects to be sensitive to the specific needs of densely populated areas.

Read More