Major road upgrades to fix traffic woes in Kakkanad

Kochi: If everything goes as planned, Kakkanad, which suffers from severe traffic congestion may soon get relief as authorities are considering a proposal to develop 36 roads connecting the area to key national highway stretches in and around the city.
The proposed roads aim to link Kakkanad with the NH 66 bypass running through the city, the NH 544 stretch between Aluva and Edappally, and the upcoming Kundanoor-Angamaly bypass of NH 544. District collector NSK Umesh will meet with officials to evaluate the proposals prepared by the Kakkanad Development Forum based on public feedback.
Traffic congestion in Kakkanad has worsened due to increased vehicle movement, driven by the rapid expansion of IT parks and other establishments. In response to high public demand, the Thrikkakkara Development Forum drafted a road development plan for the 10km radius around Infopark.
In addition to the major proposals (see box), a 2km service road has been proposed on the west side of Seaport Airport Road, running from CEPZ Junction to Olimugal, linking TV Centre, Press Academy, BSNL, Agriculture Office, Tranquil Tower, Onam Park, and Olimugal Masjid. The plan includes a parallel service road with a 220m retaining wall, an underpass crossing SA Road, and another underpass near Press Academy, connecting the existing bus stand to Civil Lane.
On the east side of Seaport Airport Road, a 900m service road has been proposed from CEPZ Post Office to Collectorate Signal Juntion via Kakkanad Metro Station, with an underpass at DLF Junction and a multilevel car parking facility. Additionally, a 3.5km road has been proposed from Traco Cable Junction to Irumbanam Vilakku Junction.
MS Anilkumar of the Thrikkakkara Development Forum stated that the proposals aim to decongest Kakkanad and provide direct road access from the town to various highways, including the new bypass.
Currently, many commuters travelling south use the Petta route, while those heading north prefer the road via Thrikkakkara temple. If existing roads are expanded into two-lane highways as proposed, it would significantly improve traffic flow in the eastern parts of the city.
"These roads can be developed by using MPs or MLAs local development funds. The collector has promised strong steps to make the proposals a reality," said Anilkumar.