Sreekariyam flyover tender approved: Long-overdue solution to capital city's traffic woes

After years of waiting, the tender for the construction of the Sreekaryam flyover, one of the busiest junctions in Thiruvananthapuram, has finally been approved by the cabinet. This project should have been realized at least a decade ago, had the government prioritised it. Along with the Sreekaryam flyover, plans are also in place to construct flyovers at Peroorkada and Pattom, both of which face equally, if not more, severe congestion. However, these plans have remained largely on paper, with repeated announcements about the Peroorkada flyover being bogged down by procedural delays.

The traffic situation in the city clearly demands the construction of multiple flyovers to alleviate congestion. It’s perplexing that none of this has caught the attention of our urban planners. These planners, whose vision appears limited to short-term fixes, are a major hindrance not only for Thiruvananthapuram but for cities across Kerala. A perfect example of their so-called expertise is evident in the "smart road" projects where existing roads are demolished, leaving them unusable for extended periods.

The estimated cost of the Sreekaryam flyover, including land acquisition, stands at Rs 135.37 crore. Of this, Rs 71.38 crore has been approved for the construction of the 535-meter-long flyover, which is expected to be completed in one and a half years. While this timeline may seem reasonable, it is crucial that every effort is made to complete the project ahead of schedule. A significant portion of the budget—over Rs 64 crore—will go towards acquiring the 1.34 hectares of land required for the flyover.

Constructing flyovers at key junctions and over existing roads would significantly ease the city's traffic woes. To explore these possibilities, the government should consider forming an expert committee. In Thiruvananthapuram alone, areas like Ulloor, Medical College, Attakulangara and Vazhuthacaud face mounting traffic issues, where flyovers would be a much-needed solution. This matter requires the immediate attention of the Public Works Department.

Though the Sreekaryam flyover is scheduled for completion in one and a half years, modern construction techniques make it possible to expedite the process. During construction, traffic disruptions are inevitable, but measures must be put in place to minimize inconvenience. A recent example is the Thuravur-Aroor stretch of the national highway, where ongoing construction has led to significant challenges for motorists. Over the past year, 28 people lost their lives in accidents on this stretch. Authorities must ensure strict safety measures and clear guidelines during road closures to avoid similar tragedies during the flyover’s construction.