KOCHI: Acting on a long-standing demand for the elevated highway project between Edappally and Kundannoor, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Thursday invited tenders from consultancy services for conducting feasibility study and preparation of detailed project report (DPR) for flyovers at four junctions on the stretch. The main objective of the consultancy service will be to establish the technical, economical and financial viability of the project and prepare feasibility and DPR for flyovers at Edappally, Palarivattom, Vyttila and Kundanoor Junctions on NH 47.
The NH 47 Kochi Bypass, which starts from Edappally Junction and ends at Aroor, has a total distance of 16 km. The four-laning work of Bypass between Edappally and Vyttila (6 km) was completed during 1997-98 executed by the Kerala PWD under the ADB scheme. The four-laning work is progressing on the rest of the 10-km stretch from Vyttila to Aroor with most sections having been already converted. The state government for the last three years has been constantly putting forth the Kundannoor-Edappally elevated highway project before the NHAI for its consideration. In a recently held meeting, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Kamal Nath, had assured that the project will be included in the seventh phase of the NH development project,” said P Rajiv MP. Rajiv said he had already submitted a memorandum to Kamal Nath requesting him to include the project in the first phase of implementation of the NH development project. “Delaying various projects related to Kochi’s infrastructure development by pointing out technical reasons is objectionable,” Rajiv said. With the construction of the elevated flyovers, long-distance travellers will be able to reach their destinations without touching the city. The last date for submitting tender is August 25, 2010.
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