Four-lane Thirumala road project nears completion

Thiruvananthapuram: The Thirumala-Thrikkannapuram Road, a key arterial link connecting the city to Vellayani Junction on the Karamana–Kaliyikkavila interstate highway, is likely to be opened to the public by the end of April, offering significant relief to commuters in the southern suburbs. According to sources, the first layer of bituminous macadam (BM) tarring from Thrikkannapuram to Plavila near Kunnapuzha has been completed, marking a major milestone. Work on the remaining stretch from Plavila to Puthenkada, where the Thirumala Road connects with Thrikkannapuram, is progressing and is expected to be completed by mid-April. Utility shifting, which has been a major bottleneck, is set to begin within two weeks on the Puthenkada–Thirumala Junction stretch. Officials said coordinated efforts are under way with agencies such as the KSEB and KWA to prevent further delays. "With the major civil works nearing completion, we are confident of opening the road to traffic by the end of April. Only finishing works and utility adjustments will remain in certain stretches," said a senior PWD official associated with the project. The 3.9km road is being upgraded into a four-lane corridor with a width of around 15 metres. The design includes a central median, footpaths, drainage systems and retaining structures. The project, estimated at Rs 29.6 crore, aims to ease long-standing traffic congestion and improve road conditions in the area. For years, commuters travelling between Thirumala, Nemom, Balaramapuram and nearby regions have faced severe delays due to the narrow and deteriorated road. Once opened, the upgraded corridor is expected to reduce travel time and improve safety, particularly during peak hours. The project had earlier been delayed due to land acquisition issues and the shifting of utility lines. However, progress has picked up in recent months following improved coordination between departments. Officials also noted that, with the model code of conduct currently in force, the road will be opened to the public without a formal inauguration ceremony. The upgraded road is expected to strengthen connectivity to the southern outskirts and support traffic flow towards the Karamana–Kaliyikkavila highway, an emerging interstate corridor. Meanwhile, drainage works and construction of retaining walls along both sides will be taken up in the next phase to ensure structural stability and address recurring waterlogging issues. Delays in utility shifting had earlier slowed progress, with the PWD and agencies such as KSEB and KWA trading blame. However, recent coordination meetings have helped expedite the relocation process and resolve pending issues. The project is being executed by SL Constructions Ltd.