NHAI Revises Kochi Elevated Highway Design to Include Metro Viaduct

19 Mar 2025 CW Team

The updated DPR will ensure proper vertical clearance where the elevated highway intersects with the Kochi Metro’s Kakkanad extension. This requires close coordination between Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) and the consultancy to integrate both projects seamlessly while maintaining traffic flow at key junctions like Palarivattom, Vyttila, and Kundannur. Additionally, the highway’s alignment has been adjusted to run parallel to the Kumbalam-Aroor bridge. While authorities expect the revised DPR soon, no definitive timeline has been set.

The Aroor-Edappally stretch, part of NH 66, is one of Kerala’s busiest corridors, handling over 100,000 passenger car units daily. The existing four-lane highway has become a bottleneck, raising concerns from commuters and local organisations, including the Ernakulam District Residents Associations’ Apex Council (EDRAAC). With a projected cost of Rs 36 billion, the elevated highway aims to ease congestion and enhance connectivity to the rapidly expanding urban areas. It will extend the 13-km Aroor-Thuravur elevated section under construction, creating a total 30-km elevated corridor with key ramps at Vyttila and Madavana for smoother access.

The Aroor-Thuravur stretch, now 55% complete, is expected to open by February 2026, significantly improving traffic conditions. However, delays in finalising the DPR for the Aroor-Edappally stretch remain a challenge. Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden has urged NHAI to expedite the process, emphasising the critical need for an efficient transport system in Kochi. With minimal land acquisition required, swift approval of the revised DPR could accelerate project completion, addressing the city’s mounting traffic woes.

(urban acres)

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has directed a Bhopal-based consultancy firm to revise the detailed project report (DPR) for the 17-km Aroor-Edappally elevated highway. The revision is necessary to accommodate the metro viaduct at the Palarivattom Bypass junction, adding complexity to the project’s design and timeline. The updated DPR will ensure proper vertical clearance where the elevated highway intersects with the Kochi Metro’s Kakkanad extension. This requires close coordination between Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) and the consultancy to integrate both projects seamlessly while maintaining traffic flow at key junctions like Palarivattom, Vyttila, and Kundannur. Additionally, the highway’s alignment has been adjusted to run parallel to the Kumbalam-Aroor bridge. While authorities expect the revised DPR soon, no definitive timeline has been set. The Aroor-Edappally stretch, part of NH 66, is one of Kerala’s busiest corridors, handling over 100,000 passenger car units daily. The existing four-lane highway has become a bottleneck, raising concerns from commuters and local organisations, including the Ernakulam District Residents Associations’ Apex Council (EDRAAC). With a projected cost of Rs 36 billion, the elevated highway aims to ease congestion and enhance connectivity to the rapidly expanding urban areas. It will extend the 13-km Aroor-Thuravur elevated section under construction, creating a total 30-km elevated corridor with key ramps at Vyttila and Madavana for smoother access. The Aroor-Thuravur stretch, now 55% complete, is expected to open by February 2026, significantly improving traffic conditions. However, delays in finalising the DPR for the Aroor-Edappally stretch remain a challenge. Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden has urged NHAI to expedite the process, emphasising the critical need for an efficient transport system in Kochi. With minimal land acquisition required, swift approval of the revised DPR could accelerate project completion, addressing the city’s mounting traffic woes. (urban acres)

Resources

09 Mar 2026

Haworth India Hosts Women’s Leadership Panel Series

Haworth India marked International Women’s Day by hosting a leadership roundtable series titled ‘Give to Gain’, bringing together senior women leaders from architecture and design firms, corporates and project management consultancies. The series has been conducted in Delhi and Mumbai, with upcoming sessions scheduled in Bengaluru and Hyderabad on 27 March 2026. Structured as moderated panel discussions followed by audience interaction, the initiative examined the business impact of women’s leadership and the role of inclusive workplaces in supporting professional growth. Manish Khan..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Max Estates Secures RERA For Max One Project

Max Estates has secured RERA approval (UPRERA No.: UPRERAPRJ9759) for its Max One development around Max Towers in Sector 16B, Noida, bringing renewed progress to a project previously stalled following the insolvency of its earlier developer. Spread across around 10 acres with an estimated development potential of about 2.5 million sq ft, Max One is planned as an integrated mixed-use campus combining serviced residences, premium offices, retail spaces and a private club. The project is expected to generate total sales potential of about Rs 20 billion along with an estimated annuity rental inc..

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..