Proposal for Kottayam-Ernakulam spur road gains momentum with submission of draft report to Union government

The proposal to construct a new spur road linking National Highways 183 and 66, starting from Kottayam and passing through Kumarakom and Vaikom to reach Ernakulam, has gained momentum with the submission of a draft report to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

According to Francis George, MP, the draft has been prepared after consultations with experts of the National Highways division as well as specialists in transport and tourism. “The Minister has directed the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to review the report and prepare a detailed project plan and cost estimate. He also noted that with daily traffic volume between Kottayam and Kochi exceeding 90,000 Passenger Car Units (PCUs), the construction of the new road has become essential,” the MP said.

As per the draft, the proposed 60-km stretch will begin at Mulankuzha in Kottayam, along MC Road (NH 183), and pass through Kumarakom and Vaikom before reaching Tripunithura, where it will connect to the Angamaly-Kundannoor bypass.

Reduced travel time

At present, for travelling from Kottayam to Tripunithura via Thalayolaparambu-Poothotta or Kanjiramattom one has to cover around 75 km, taking up to two and a half hours during peak hours. The new road is expected to cut the travel time to about an hour.

“The alignment will mostly run through paddy fields and underdeveloped areas, making land acquisition relatively easier. Since it passes through Vaikom, a region that has lagged behind in infrastructure development, the project could transform the town into a satellite city of Ernakulam,” he added.

In agricultural and waterlogged zones, the plan proposes an elevated corridor to ensure that farming activities and natural water flow remain unaffected.

By linking Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam districts, the spur road is expected to significantly boost transportation, trade, and industry in central Travancore. It will also benefit residents of Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta districts, providing smoother and faster access to various destinations.

In addition, the new route is expected to enhance the appeal of lesser-known inland tourism spots such as Kanjiram, Malarickal and Vettikkad, while improving connectivity to major hubs, the MP said.