Uncertainty Over Nettoor Intersection Delays Kochi’s Mega Highway Projects: Report

Plans to ease traffic in Kochi with the Edappally–Aroor elevated highway on NH 66 and the long-awaited Kochi bypass have hit another roadblock, with uncertainty surrounding the alignment of NH 966B from Nettoor to Willingdon Island threatening to delay multiple projects, Times of India reported.

Nettoor is set to become a critical junction, linking the Angamaly–Kundannoor bypass (NH 544), NH 966B, the proposed NH 66 elevated corridor and the Theni–Kochi highway.

However, disagreement over how these highways will intersect is slowing progress.

Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari had recently told Parliament that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is considering a cloverleaf flyover at Nettoor.

Although the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) approved the 45-metre wide NH 966B corridor, covering the stretch from Nettoor to the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) on Willingdon Island via Thevara Ferry, in November 2023, its final alignment is still undecided.

The Cochin Port Authority (CPA), which has raised objections, has asked NHAI for more time before agreeing to the final route.

Meanwhile, the Highway Engineering Consultant (HEC), tasked with preparing the detailed project report, has submitted a revised alignment suggesting a cloverleaf model.

NHAI officials admit the uncertainty is concerning.

“The confusion over the highway converging location in Nettoor is a fresh hurdle for the Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass project. Though we planned to re-issue a 3A notification, govt wants clarity over the endpoint of the highway at Nettoor and the alignment of all roads converging there. It may further delay the new Kochi bypass project,” an official from the NHAI Palakkad office overseeing the bypass was quoted as saying by ToI.

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