NHAI to Revamp Kochi's 17-km Container Road

16 Oct 2023 CW Team

Container Road boasts 11 major bridges, a minor bridge, one constructed by GIDA, and 35 culverts. The decision to renovate comes in response to complaints from motorists regarding the sinking of approach roads to various bridges and culverts. NHAI officials have attributed this to a "natural phenomenon" during the initial years after the road was reclaimed from backwaters and other water bodies. This NH stretch is also equipped with five pedestrian underpasses, two vehicle underpasses, five major junctions, and five minor junctions.

A persistent safety issue along this route has been the illegal and obstructive parking of container lorries, many of which lack proper reflectors and tail lamps. This has posed a significant risk to two-wheeler riders, especially given the inadequate lighting along the road. Despite the existence of six authorised truck parking bays, illegal parking continues to be a problem.

The proposed renovation project includes bituminous concrete resurfacing, addressing the rickety expansion joints on bridges to ensure a smoother ride, replacing damaged bridge bearings, and installing street lights, crash barriers, signboards, and bollards. Additionally, a sponsor is expected to beautify the sizable roundabout at Bolgatty Junction. NHAI has also taken measures to prevent unauthorised parking and garbage dumping into the backwaters and road shoulders by installing bollards with reflectors earlier this month.

This corridor sees a daily traffic volume of approximately 30,000 passenger car units, with toll collection in place.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to embark on a comprehensive renovation and safety enhancement project for the 17-km Container Road in Kochi, Kerala, at a cost of Rs 1.295 billion. This development marks a significant milestone as it represents the first major renovation of this national highway (NH) corridor, which was initially commissioned in 2015. The corridor's purpose is to provide direct connectivity between Angamaly-Edapally NH 544 and the Vallarpadam Container Transhipment Terminal. As part of the renovation, service roads covering a distance of 10.4 km will also undergo improvements. Container Road boasts 11 major bridges, a minor bridge, one constructed by GIDA, and 35 culverts. The decision to renovate comes in response to complaints from motorists regarding the sinking of approach roads to various bridges and culverts. NHAI officials have attributed this to a natural phenomenon during the initial years after the road was reclaimed from backwaters and other water bodies. This NH stretch is also equipped with five pedestrian underpasses, two vehicle underpasses, five major junctions, and five minor junctions. A persistent safety issue along this route has been the illegal and obstructive parking of container lorries, many of which lack proper reflectors and tail lamps. This has posed a significant risk to two-wheeler riders, especially given the inadequate lighting along the road. Despite the existence of six authorised truck parking bays, illegal parking continues to be a problem. The proposed renovation project includes bituminous concrete resurfacing, addressing the rickety expansion joints on bridges to ensure a smoother ride, replacing damaged bridge bearings, and installing street lights, crash barriers, signboards, and bollards. Additionally, a sponsor is expected to beautify the sizable roundabout at Bolgatty Junction. NHAI has also taken measures to prevent unauthorised parking and garbage dumping into the backwaters and road shoulders by installing bollards with reflectors earlier this month. This corridor sees a daily traffic volume of approximately 30,000 passenger car units, with toll collection in place.