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Alappuzha Bypass

The Alappuzha Bypass is a 6.8-kilometre-long (4.2 mi) elevated two-lane highway with paved shoulders in , , , forming part of National Highway 66 (NH 66) and designed to bypass the of city, thereby reducing urban along the busy coastal corridor. Stretching from Kommady junction in the north (Km 408/100) to Kalarcode in the south (Km 414/900), it includes a prominent 3.2-kilometre elevated section running parallel to the beach, offering commuters scenic views and establishing it as India's first elevated beach highway. The project, initiated in 2015 after decades of delays since its in the 1970s, was constructed on an (EPC) basis at a total cost of ₹348.43 , with equal funding shared between the (Ministry of and Highways) and the . It was jointly inaugurated on 28 2021 by Minister for and Highways and Kerala , marking a significant infrastructure milestone that has shortened travel times between and while enhancing safety and connectivity in the region. As of 2025, the bypass remains fully operational with a completion certificate issued, integrating seamlessly into the ongoing six-laning upgrades of NH 66 across .

Overview

Route Description

The Alappuzha Bypass is a 6.8 km long, two-lane forming part of National Highway 66 (NH-66, formerly NH-47) in , . It begins at Kalarcode in the south and extends northward to Kommady, providing a direct coastal route that skirts the western periphery of the town. This alignment runs parallel to the Alappuzha beachfront, positioned to the west of the existing NH-66 corridor and bypassing the densely congested of to the east. The route features a significant elevated section spanning approximately 3.2 km, constructed as a over the area to preserve the coastal and prevent from vehicular traffic. Key structural elements include railway overbridges at Malikamukku and Kuthirapanthi to facilitate seamless crossings over the rail lines, along with multiple culverts for minor waterways. The incorporates paved shoulders on both sides to accommodate emergency and slower-moving vehicles, maintaining a total width suitable for two lanes. Interchanges at the southern terminus near Kalarcode connect to local state highways, enabling access to inland routes, while the northern end at Kommady integrates with the broader NH-66 network toward . Prominent landmarks along the path include the expansive and views of the , enhancing the scenic quality of the drive. This configuration allows vehicles to traverse the bypass in about 10 minutes, significantly alleviating urban congestion compared to the previous town-center route.

Significance and Purpose

The Alappuzha Bypass serves as a critical component of National Highway 66 (NH-66), designed primarily to divert heavy vehicular traffic away from the narrow and congested roads of town, thereby alleviating chronic bottlenecks for long-distance travelers between and . As of November 2025, the bypass is being integrated into the six-laning upgrades of NH 66 through the of a parallel two-lane elevated road. This diversion addresses the town's limited road infrastructure, which has long struggled to accommodate the volume of through-traffic, including trucks and buses, resulting in frequent delays and heightened accident risks on urban stretches. By providing an alternative route that skirts the , the bypass aims to significantly reduce travel times for interstate commuters, potentially cutting journey durations by up to 30 minutes on the Kochi-Thiruvananthapuram corridor. In the broader context of India's national highway modernization efforts, the Alappuzha Bypass enhances connectivity across , a state where NH-66 plays a vital role in linking major ports, industrial hubs, and tourist destinations. Alappuzha's congestion stems partly from its status as a key hub with backwater cruises and beaches, alongside active ports that generate substantial freight movement, all compounded by the highway's passage through densely populated and narrow coastal areas. The project contributes to these upgrades by streamlining logistics for local industries, such as production from coconuts and processing, which rely on efficient access for exports and supply chains, thereby fostering economic growth in the region. A distinctive feature of the bypass is its status as India's first elevated beach highway, with sections running parallel to the coastline to minimize disruption to the sensitive coastal while offering scenic views that could indirectly promote to nearby backwaters and beaches. This design preserves the natural landscape by avoiding ground-level encroachment on the shoreline, balancing infrastructure development with environmental considerations in a high-tourism coastal zone.

History

Planning and Early Proposals

The Alappuzha Bypass was initially conceptualized in the as a measure to alleviate increasing along National Highway 47 (now NH 66) passing through the densely populated town in , . By the early , growing vehicular movement between major southern cities like and had exacerbated bottlenecks in the urban core, prompting the state government to prioritize bypass infrastructure under its broader road development initiatives. A formal proposal emerged in 1980, when the state revenue department acquired approximately 45 meters of right-of-way for the 6.8 km bypass alignment along the coastal western side of the highway, from Kommady to Kalarcode. This early land acquisition laid the groundwork for the project, envisioned as a two-lane corridor to divert through-traffic away from the town's commercial and residential areas. However, progress stalled due to administrative and financial constraints, with the initial cost estimate pegged at around ₹17 . In 1990, the for the first phase was laid under a 50-50 cost-sharing agreement between the central and state governments, marking a key administrative milestone for funding the initial segments. Local Members of , including representatives from , actively advocated for the project in legislative forums, emphasizing its role in enhancing connectivity along the vital Kochi-Thiruvananthapuram corridor. Despite this, the project faced significant delays from land-related disputes near the ecologically sensitive coastal zone and the need for environmental clearances to mitigate impacts on the shoreline and local wetlands. The bypass gained renewed momentum in the early 2000s through inclusion in the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) in 2008, which facilitated detailed planning and integration with national infrastructure goals. A feasibility study conducted around this period underscored the necessity for an elevated design to address frequent flooding in Alappuzha's low-lying areas and to accommodate multiple rail overbridges across the busy Southern Railway lines. These recommendations highlighted the project's technical challenges, including coastal erosion risks and the requirement for rail coordination, setting the stage for eventual approvals while navigating ongoing bureaucratic hurdles.

Construction Timeline

The foundation stone for the first phase of the Alappuzha Bypass was laid in December 1990, marking the initial groundwork for what would become a long-delayed project. However, substantive did not commence until major works were inaugurated on April 10, 2015, by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways , under the oversight of the (NHAI). The project was executed in (EPC) mode, with the contract awarded to a in early 2015, stipulating completion within 30 months. The original target for full completion was set for September 2017. Initial phases from 2015 to focused on groundwork, including pile foundations for the elevated structure, amid efforts to align with the project's coastal alignment requirements. Construction of the elevated progressed from to , incorporating rail-over-bridges to navigate existing tracks, though significant hurdles emerged. Delays accumulated due to shortages between 2017 and 2018, which stalled progress beyond the initial timeline, and public protests in 2018-2019 concerning project impacts, further extending deadlines to May 2018 and then August 2018. Additional setbacks arose from ' delays in approving placements over tracks, halting work intermittently. A key milestone occurred in June 2020, when girders were placed at the rail crossings, including the Kuthirapanthy rail-over-bridge, advancing the elevated sections despite ongoing challenges. Final phases in late 2020 involved surfacing, testing, and integration of the viaduct, pushing the project over three years beyond its original schedule due to cumulative delays from funding, approvals, and protests. NHAI maintained oversight throughout, ensuring compliance with EPC stipulations amid these extensions.

Design and Specifications

Engineering Features

The Alappuzha Bypass employs an elevated structural for its 3.2 km beachfront section, supported by numerous pillars and constructed using pre-stressed concrete girders to ensure durability in the coastal setting. The project incorporates viaducts over railway lines at Kuthirapanthy to maintain seamless connectivity without interrupting rail services. Adhering to Indian Roads Congress (IRC) specifications for National Highway 66, the bypass features a 7.5-meter width for its two lanes, complete with raised kerbs, crash barriers for vehicle containment, and integrated lighting for nighttime visibility. Construction accounts for Kerala's placement in III, incorporating design provisions for moderate earthquake resistance as outlined in IRC:6-2017. To counter the corrosive impact of saline exposure near the , the structure utilizes epoxy coatings on reinforcement bars, following IRC:112-2020 guidelines for enhanced longevity in aggressive environments. Safety enhancements include 1.5-meter paved shoulders serving as emergency lanes and a maximum of 3% to accommodate heavy rainfall and prevent hydroplaning.

Cost and Funding

The Alappuzha Bypass project cost ₹348.43 in total. This figure encompassed , acquisition, and related expenses for the 6.8 km two-lane road with paved shoulders on National Highway 66. Funding was provided on a 50:50 basis between the , through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), and the . Each contributed approximately ₹174 to cover the project's financial requirements. The contract was awarded under the () mode to promote efficient cost management and timely execution. Delays in land acquisition and led to escalations in the final expenditure beyond the initial estimate of ₹256 in 2013.

Completion and Impact

Inauguration and Opening

The Alappuzha Bypass was officially inaugurated on January 28, 2021, through a joint virtual ceremony conducted by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways from and from , marking the end of a wait spanning over four decades since initial proposals in the and the laying of the in December 1990. The event, scheduled at 1 p.m., highlighted the project's completion following finishing works in late 2020, with media reports emphasizing its role in alleviating longstanding in town. The ceremony focused on the bypass's immediate public rollout, with the 6.8 km two-lane elevated stretch from Kommady in the north to Kalarcode in the south opened to traffic right after the virtual proceedings, integrating seamlessly as part of National Highway 66 (NH-66). Although toll collection was planned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to recover a portion of the ₹348 crore project cost, it had not commenced at the time of opening, amid the Kerala government's request to waive tolls entirely due to shared funding and local concerns. In the days following the inauguration, minor operational adjustments were required, including the replacement of a booth near Kommady that was destroyed by an unidentified vehicle early on January 29, 2021, before operations could begin. The bypass's approach roads at both ends were also upgraded to double lanes to facilitate smooth local access, ensuring connectivity without immediate disruptions.

Traffic and Environmental Effects

Since its inauguration in January 2021, the Alappuzha Bypass has substantially eased pressures in the central business district of by diverting through from narrow urban roads. Post-opening assessments indicate an average 20% reduction in travel time across the 6.8 km stretch, with journeys that previously took 30 minutes or more now completing in about 10 minutes during peak hours. This shift has increased average speeds from approximately 14 km/h on the old route to around 41 km/h on the bypass, contributing to smoother overall flow on National Highway 66. Daily vehicle volumes on the bypass have risen as it attracts a majority of highway , including long-haul trucks, thereby lowering congestion in the town by up to 25% based on local surveys conducted after 2021. The bypass has delivered notable economic benefits by streamlining for Alappuzha's coastal and enhancing connectivity for in the backwater region. Commuters and freight operators report an average 15% decrease in travel costs due to shorter routes and less fuel consumption from idling. Improved access has boosted local businesses, particularly those reliant on visitor , with faster times supporting the district's role as a key node in Kerala's and . Environmentally, the diversion of heavy vehicles from urban areas has led to lower levels in town through reduced emissions from stop-go traffic. However, the bypass's coastal alignment has sparked concerns regarding potential disruption to nearby bird habitats and ecosystems, particularly around sections overlooking the . To address these, mitigation efforts incorporate green corridors along embankments and erosion control measures to preserve local . The elevated structure also provides incidental flood protection by minimizing road submersion during monsoons. The (NHAI) oversees ongoing monitoring of the bypass, with regular reports emphasizing maintenance requirements such as pillar inspections to counter saline corrosion in the humid coastal setting. These checks ensure structural integrity against environmental stressors like high salinity and tidal influences. In March 2025, four girders of an under-construction parallel to the elevated bypass section collapsed near during six-laning upgrades, with no casualties reported; investigations into construction quality followed.

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