KOCHI: A long-pending demand of Kochiites - a flyover at the busy Vyttila Junction - is finally going to be a reality. The construction of the proposed flyover is scheduled to begin on November 25.
The Kerala Road Fund Board - a special purpose vehicle (SPV) - will be the implementing agency of the Rs 86-crore project. The tender for the construction work was awarded to Thiruvananthapuram-based Sree Dhanya Constructions. The agreement in this regard will be signed between the PWD and Sree Dhanya constructions in the capital on November 18.
Once the agreement is inked, the construction activities will begin within a week. The estimated time of completion is 18 months. Works Minister G Sudhakaran reiterated the government will take all necessary steps to complete the work of the flyover within the stipulated deadline.
The District Administration, along with the City Police will chalk out a comprehensive plan for traffic diversion during construction. Collector K Mohammed Y Safirulla on Monday visited Vyttila. He said the plan will be finalised in two days. As per the initial proposal, heavy vehicles from the Alappuzha side will be diverted through the Aroor-Thoppumpady route while those coming from Kalamassery will be re-routed through the Seaport-Airport Road to reach Kundannoor. The authorities concerned are also planning to make use of the existing approach roads during the traffic diversion to avoid congestion.
Though the Vyttila flyover was proposed in early 2000, the project was at a standstill owing to various technical difficulties. The NHAI, supposed to construct the flyover, demand toll collection.
The LDF Government opposed the idea which would cause difficulties to the public. Later, it was decided to construct the flyover without the support of NHAI. The funds for the same was allotted by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIB).Meanwhile, the government has also launched steps to construct another flyover at Kundannoor.The work for the Kundannoor flyover is expected to be launched by December this year.
End to traffic snarl-ups?
*The flyover will ease traffic congestion at the busy junction
*It was proposed almost two decades ago
*The delay in finalising the design and on deciding whether to entrust NHAI had slowed down the process.
*The foundation stone for the project was laid in February 2016.
*The actual plan was to commission the project by September 2017
*However, the LDF Government opposed the idea of levying toll.
*The project got a lease of life in 2016 after the LDF Government decided to use KIIFB funds.
*Tender awarded in November 2017.
*The period fixed for the completion of the project is 18 months.
*PWD Minister G Sudhakaran said the government will make all efforts to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated time.
THE DESIGN
The flyover will begin immediately after the Vyttila Railway Overbridge (while coming from the Edappally side) and will end near the Siva Subramanya Temple along NH 66. The total length of the flyover, including the approach roads, will be 700 metres. The length of the viaduct will be 440 metres while the centre span of the flyover will have a length of 40 metres. The six-lane flyover will have three lanes each to both sides. The width of the flyover will be 27.2 metres. The viaducts of the Kochi Metro Rail towards Pettah will be constructed six metres above the flyover. The construction of Kochi Metro Rail will also be carried out along with the construction of the Vyttila flyover.
