The proposed Edappally-Aroor elevated highway project in Kochi is set to receive fresh attention, with Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden urging the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to resume the preparation of its Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The development follows a meeting between Eden and NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav in Delhi. According to reports, NHAI officials and technical experts are expected to visit the Edappally-Vyttila-Aroor corridor by mid-November to assess the project and prepare a development report.
The proposed elevated highway is intended to address congestion along one of Kochi’s busiest stretches of NH 66. The existing road passes through densely developed areas, where widening at ground level is difficult because of buildings and commercial establishments on both sides.
Eden has argued that the stretch could become a major traffic bottleneck once the adjoining highway projects are completed. The Aroor-Thuravoor elevated corridor is progressing to the south, while six-laning work is under way on the Edappally-Kodungallur section to the north.
The MP has also asked NHAI to reconsider its earlier position that the elevated highway may not be necessary because of the proposed Kochi Outer Ring Road.
Earlier Project Put on Hold
The 14.64-km elevated highway was previously put on hold by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in August 2026. The Centre had prioritised the proposed Angamaly-Aroor bypass to address congestion along the wider corridor.
The proposed elevated route faces engineering challenges, particularly at Palarivattom and Vyttila, where it would have to account for existing flyovers and Kochi Metro infrastructure.
The renewed DPR assessment is expected to examine the corridor’s technical requirements and feasibility. However, restarting the study does not amount to final project approval or a construction commitment.
Separately, NHAI has approved an additional ₹7.45 crore for the second phase of drainage work along the Kodungallur-Edappally stretch of NH 66. This takes the total allocation for drainage improvements on the stretch to ₹28.89 crore.
