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The second phase of the Vazhayila-Nedumangad road project, covering a 4-km stretch from Keltron Junction at Karakulam to Valicode, is set to begin shortly. Nearly 90% of land acquisition for this section has been completed, with most affected landowners already compensated. Funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) and executed by the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), the project aims to ease congestion, improve safety, and enhance connectivity along the Thiruvananthapuram-Tenkasi corridor. The upgraded 12-km corridor will significantly reduce travel time, support goods movement, and strengthen public transport links in the region.
The second phase of the Vazhayila-Nedumangad road project is scheduled to commence soon, focusing on a 4-km stretch from Keltron Junction at Karakulam to Valicode. This development forms part of the larger Thiruvananthapuram-Tenkasi interstate corridor, which is expected to ease congestion, enhance regional connectivity, and stimulate economic activity along this busy suburban route. Advertisement
Nearly 90% of the land acquisition for this segment has been completed. Out of 317 affected landowners, compensation has been disbursed to 290, with the remaining 22 set to receive payments in the coming days. The Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), the implementing agency, has earmarked INR 294 crore for this segment. Tamil Nadu-based KCP Infra Ltd secured the construction contract as the lowest bidder among five firms.
Once construction begins, three district administration teams will oversee traffic management along the stretch with support from traffic police and wardens. This follows decisions taken in a high-level meeting chaired by minister and local MLA G R Anil. Meanwhile, the first phase, covering the 4-km stretch from Vazhayila to Keltron Junction, including the Karakulam flyover, is about 50% complete and expected to open to traffic by February next year. The corridor will feature a four-lane, 21m-wide road, including a 15m carriageway, 2m median, and 2m utility paths on either side.
The upgraded road will replace a narrow and accident-prone route, significantly reducing travel time between Vazhayila and Nedumangad while improving safety for commuters. It will also support smoother movement of goods toward Tamil Nadu via Tenkasi. Preparations for the third reach, extending from Valicode to Pazhakutty in Nedumangad, are underway, with land acquisition verification scheduled soon and tendering to follow.
The project had faced delays in the past due to land acquisition challenges, fund approvals, and alignment changes. However, with KIIFB-backed funding in place and compensation nearly complete, work is moving forward at a faster pace. The upgraded corridor is also expected to strengthen public transport connectivity and serve as a key feeder road for traffic heading to Nedumangad, Aryanad, Vithura, and Ponmudi, a notable tourist destination in the region.
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