Kerala bypass project gets NHAI nod

The National Highways Authority of India has approved a proposal to build a bypass connecting Angamaly and Kundannoor, which will relieve traffic congestion on the NH-66 Edappally-Aroor route. According to the plan, the 50-km-long highway will be built as a greenfield project under the Union government's Bharatmala Pariyojna. The bypass will run from NH-544 in Angamaly through 17 villages in the taluks of Aluva, Kunnathunad, and Kanayannur. The bypass will run through places 10 km away away from the existing motorway. A private agency contributed in determining the preliminary alignment of the bypass. According to NH-66 special deputy collector Padmachandra Kurup, a notification will be issued after determining the survey numbers based on the preliminary alignment. In 2016, a proposal for an alternative bypass was made in response to traffic congestion on the Edappally-Aroor route. The opening of Lulu Mall has caused significant traffic congestion at the Edappally crossroads. Aside from that, several shopping malls, auto dealerships, and other establishments have sprouted up along the route, resulting in considerable traffic.