Thiruvananthapuram – Kazhakootam Elevated Highway has been opened for public. The largest four-lane elevated highway in the state was opened without an official inauguration. The length of the road is 2.71 km. The National Highways Authority opened the flyover to avoid traffic jams. Union Minister Nitin Gadgari did not get a date for the inauguration, so the opening of the elevated highway was delayed.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the elevated road as part of the National Highway development. The four-lane elevated road at Kazhakoottam is part of the Kazhakoottam – Mukola reach under construction on National Highway 66. The National Highway Authority is responsible for the construction of the road. 200 crores for the construction of the elevated road was completely spent by the National Highways Authority.
The work of the elevated highway started in 2018. The construction cost is Rs 200 crores. There is a service road at 7.5 meters on both sides. The bridge has 61 pillars. About 220 lights have been installed at the top and bottom of the track. The four-lane elevated highway bypasses the busiest Kazhakootam junction where the National Highway Bypass and the Old National Highway through the city meet. Those coming from Kollam side can take the highway from near Kazhakootam CSI Mission Hospital. The path is right near Technopark Phase 3. Only those who need to go to parts like Kariyavattam and Srikariyam need to enter Kazhakootam junction.
The construction of the Kazhakootam elevated highway started in 2018 with the announcement that it would be completed within two years, but the project was delayed due to various reasons. The restrictions due to covid also reduced the speed of construction. The project took 4 years to complete. Those coming from the northern part of the district to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will avoid the rush of Kazhakoota. The elevated highway will be of great relief to those who work in various establishments in Technopark, those who have to go to Kovalam and Vizhinjam areas, and those who have to reach Thiruvananthapuram city. The road will also be a relief for travelers from Thiruvananthapuram to Kollam side.
The authorities describe the Kazhakoottam Elevated Highway as the largest elevated highway in the state. However, at 3.2 km, the Alappuzha Bypass, parallel to the beach, is currently the longest elevated highway in Kerala. As Alappuzha is a two-lane highway, Kazhakutta is the longest of the four-lane elevated highways.
English Summary: Kazhakoottam Elevated Highway Opened