Kerala’s Vengeri Overpass Set for September Debut

Kerala’s Public Works Minister announced on Friday that the new overpass at Vengeri, crossing National Highway 66, will be inaugurated in the first week of September. The overpass, which forms a crucial link at the intersection of the Kozhikode-Balussery roads, has been a focal point of the NH-66 widening project, designed to alleviate traffic congestion in the region.

During an inspection of the project site on August 23, Minister Riyas acknowledged the public’s patience throughout the extensive construction phase, which has frequently disrupted traffic flow due to ongoing widening efforts. The NH-66 expansion, stretching from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, is anticipated to be completed by late 2025. The Vengeri overpass, constructed with a width of 45 metres, aims to support future developments on the Kozhikode-Balussery road. The project, however, encountered delays when a live water pipeline belonging to the Kerala Water Authority was discovered in the designated area for the overpass. The pipeline had to be relocated to ensure its operational integrity, which temporarily stalled progress.

Minister Riyas, accompanied by officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Public Works Department, and representatives from the contracting firms, conducted the site visit to review the project’s progress and address any remaining issues. The completion of the Vengeri overpass is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and connectivity in the area, providing relief to commuters who have experienced disruptions during the ongoing roadworks. As the project nears its final stages, the overpass is set to play a pivotal role in easing congestion and supporting future infrastructure development along NH-66.