The Vizhinjam-Navaikulam Outer Ring Road project is set to be a transformative development for Thiruvananthapuram, allowing the city to expand without the drawbacks of overcrowding. This four-lane road, stretching 62.7 km, will connect National Highway 66, MC Road and state highways, providing crucial infrastructure support for the city’s growth.

The project, which faced uncertainty, has gained momentum with the state government’s decision to assume a liability of ₹1,629 crores, covering land acquisition and the construction of service roads. Of this, ₹930.41 crores, required for land acquisition, will be made available through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). Additionally, the state will contribute ₹477.33 crores to the National Highways Authority over five years for service road construction. The state cabinet has also approved a waiver of ₹210.63 crores in GST and ₹10.87 crores in royalty income.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had urged Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to ensure that the project meets national highway standards. In response, Kerala has prepared a special package to meet the Centre’s request for greater state participation in the project.

The project requires the acquisition of 281.8 hectares of land, with construction only beginning once the land is handed over to the National Highways Authority. It is imperative that the state expedites the land acquisition process to avoid delays that could escalate project costs. Property owners in the panchayats along the proposed road route, including Venganur, Kalliyur, Pallichal, Malayinkeezh, Maranallur, Kattakkada, Valappil, Poovachal, Aruvikkara, Karakulam, Pothancode, Andurkkonam and Mangalapuram, have already agreed to hand over their land but prompt action is required to prevent any hold-ups. Additionally, the government must ensure that proper rehabilitation facilities are in place for those affected.

The Outer Ring Road, a key component of the Vizhinjam project, will enhance the movement of goods and help decongest the city’s roads. Beyond its immediate benefits, the government is considering a growth corridor in the second phase of the project, which will include the development of industrial parks and townships. The rapid development along both sides of the Kazhakoottam-Kovalam road demonstrates the potential for significant private investment wherever infrastructure improves, leading to substantial job creation in the private sector.

The government aims to complete the tender process for the Outer Ring Road before the commissioning of Vizhinjam port. The road will be constructed as an access-controlled expressway, with crash barriers on both sides and will only be accessible from eight locations, aside from Vizhinjam and Navayikulam. As this development becomes a reality, the municipality must proactively plan for supporting infrastructure, such as parking facilities, waste management and other civic needs.

The steps to implement the light metro project should be accelerated, as Thiruvananthapuram is poised to become one of the country’s largest cities in the near future, driven by the Vizhinjam project and other initiatives.