Karode - Kanyakumari bypass; dream project of two districts
Three decades ago, when the construction of the National Highway bypass started from Kazhakkoottam in Thiruvananthapuram to Karode, it was heard that it would be extended up to Kanyakumari. Had the governments of Kerala and Tamil Nadu shown sincere interest, this bypass would have been completed years ago. In any case, Kerala has completed the construction of the bypass even though it took many years.
More than fifty kilometres from Karode to Kanyakumari are yet to be completed. It has been stalled for many years and the reason is Tamil Nadu's lack of interest. The recent good news is that the procedures for the construction of the Karode-Kanyakumari bypass have been resumed. It has been decided to proceed with the work so that the construction will be completed by the end of 2025. The contract has been divided into two parts. Two major bridges, several minor bridges and three minor tunnels are to be constructed along the bypass route. The bypass will become a reality once their construction is completed.
Once the construction of the Kazhakootam-Kanyakumari Bypass, which is part of National Highway 66, is completed, the benefits are manifold. The congestion currently experienced on the Karamana-Kanyakumari stretch, which is a nightmare for motorists, will also ease to a large extent. At present, it takes three to four hours to reach Kanyakumari from Thiruvananthapuram. Once the bypass is completed, it will take less than an hour and a half to cover this distance. The reduced travel time is a big deal for the tens of thousands of tourists who visit Kanyakumari every day.
The Thiruvananthapuram - Kanyakumari National Highway is a very narrow road and faces traffic jams at many places. With the opening of the Kazhakootam - Karode Bypass, this reach is now accessible without any hindrance. However, there are many hurdles one must pass if he wants to continue his journey from Karode to Kaliakkavilai. The only solution is the proposed Karode - Kanyakumari Bypass. Despite realizing the importance of this, the question remains why the Tamil Nadu government has not given it much consideration. The allegation that the Tamil Nadu government is not paying attention to the Kanyakumari district has been there since the formation of the district. The condition of the district, especially the border roads, reinforces this allegation.
Apart from enabling smooth traffic, the new bypass will also create huge opportunities for tourism and development sectors. Even just a road trip through the bypass is a treat for both the eyes and the mind. The peculiarities of the landscape are so many. The Karode-Kanyakumari Bypass is sure to have a decisive impact on the development trajectory of Thiruvananthapuram as well. Just as the Kazhakoottam-Karode bypass will be an asset to the commercial sector, the proposed road to Kanyakumari will also help in the rapid growth of those areas. A look at the growth on both sides of the bypass road from Kazhakkoottam to Kovalam shows the endless possibilities new roads can open.