7 hours ago
Sreekaryam flyover initial construction phase to be completed in three months
Thiruvananthapuram: The major construction phase of Sreekaryam flyover, including stormwater drains, utility ducts, service roads and utility shifting, is expected to be completed within the next three months.
The work is progressing at a fast pace despite the monsoon rains.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited, the implementing agency, is planning to complete the initial phase in three months to ensure smooth conveyance for commuters and motorists through service roads. Once the initial phase wraps up, the central portion of the road will be cordoned off to facilitate piling and construction of main flyover pillars. Unlike other flyover projects, Sreekaryam's piling work is being executed with enhanced strength and depth, specifically engineered to support the future Metro rail pillars that may run along the divider, an alignment coordinated with the proposed Metro rail corridor in the state capital.
Currently, work is going on to complete the infrastructure beneath the elevated carriageway. "Prioritising the service roads and utilities at this stage is essential," said an official close to the project. "It is about laying a strong foundation to ensure safety and minimal disruption when the main overbridge construction begins," the official said.
Approved in Sept 2024, the flyover is a flagship element of the city's infrastructure upgrade, aligned with the proposed Metro system.
The design features common piers meant to support both the flyover and the Metro pillars, optimising land use and reducing duplication. Project cost stands around Rs 170–177 crore, encompassing civil works, land acquisition, utility shifting and service road construction. Funding has been arranged through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
An earlier tender awarded to the construction firm serving as the main contractor quoted Rs 71.38 crore for the flyover structure, including negotiations to bring the estimate just above the technical sanction of Rs 61 crore, allowing swift commencement to avoid delays.
The land acquisition covering approximately 1.34 hectares from 168 affected parties across Cheruvakkal, Ulloor and Pangappara was completed late 2024 and demolition of existing structures concluded prior to full mobilisation in early 2025.
In Jan 2025, the contractor started mobilising equipment and labour, with the four-lane flyover extending 535m and its carriageway measuring 7.5m wide. In addition, 5.5m service roads flank both sides, with 1.5m footpaths incorporated for pedestrian use.
"Shifting utilities and completing stormwater drains along the length there are the priorities now," said the official. "We are making sure commuters can use the parallel service roads without hindrance," he added.
With the underdrainage, ducts and relocations nearing completion, the next major activity will be piling the central columns. These foundations, laid to Metro-compatible specifications, will uphold a flyover capable of carrying both surface traffic and Metro infrastructure, said a site engineer.
A total of Rs 98 crore has been disbursed to the landowners who conceded land for the project. A total of 168 buildings were razed as part of the project.
In 2016, the govt green-lit the construction of flyovers at Sreekaryam, Pattom and Ulloor for a total cost of Rs 272 crore as part of the proposed Metro rail project. However, the flyover projects at Pattom and Ulloor will be implemented only after finalising the alignment of the Metro project.
