Citing shortage of funds to construct an overpass for the smooth movement of long-distance travellers through the National Highway corridor, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is considering making Eenchakkal junction along the upcoming four-lane Kazhakuttam-Karode NH 66 bypass an ‘at-grade junction’. (At-grade junction is an intersection where more than two roads meet.
A senior NHAI official told The Hindu that a sum of ₹50 crore was needed to build an overpass at the busy junction. However, funds were scarce and hence a decision was taken to go in for the at-grade as proposed in the Detailed Project Report. But, a final decision is yet to be communicated,” he said.
The at-grade junction at Eenchakkal junction will be on the lines of the one at Kulathoor, Vellar and Kovalam along the bypass.
The existing roundabout at Eenchakkal will be removed and solar-powered traffic signals will be installed by the NHAI as part of the four-laning project being executed under the EPC mode, he said.
The overpass at the busy junction was mooted by the project officials taking into account the high volume of traffic in the Chakka-Eenchakkal corridor where the T-II of the international airport and a shopping mall have come up.
