New bypass to be a catalyst for urban transformation

Kochi: The Angamaly-Kundannoor Bypass, the construction of which is set to begin soon, will transform Kochi and its surrounding areas significantly. The development is anticipated to trigger an urban sprawl, converting numerous villages along its route into bustling town centres.
Places like Karayamparambu and Kariyadu in Angamaly, Thiruvankulam in Tripunithura municipality, and Valanthakkad in Maradu municipality are some of the areas expected to develop into towns or urban areas. On the flip side, the new bypass has also caused concerns that the project could result in the de-urbanisation of certain places in some of the municipalities. Towns like Angamaly, Aluva, and Maradu might see a shift in activity and possible de-urbanisation.
The 44.7km-long greenfield bypass, approved by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in Jan 2023, is a six-lane highway that will start from Karayamparambu, bordering Karukutty panchayat, on the northern side of Angamaly and end at Kundannoor Junction on NH 66 near Tripunithura.
"While taking a close look at the development of the newly formed towns in Kerala, we could see a pattern that is linked to the development of the roads," urban studies department director Mathew A Varghese said. "There was a shift in the major junction in Aluva town following the construction of a flyover. Similarly, newly developed roads gave a facelift to the urban landscape of Thodupuzha town. Junctions emerged around the newly developed roads," Varghese said.
Tripunithura municipality officials, as well as the Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Associations (Trura), have echoed similar views, predicting that areas like Thiruvankulam, a census town in Tripunithura municipality, will develop at an accelerated pace.
Meanwhile, according to the Angamaly Merchants Association leaders, the development of the Karayamparambu area will in turn decongest Angamaly town. "Hotels in Angamaly presently heavily rely on intercity commuters. Once the bypass becomes a reality, the flow of such commuters will be through the new route. It will affect the business prospects of Angamaly," said Angamaly Merchants Association president Johny Kuriakose. However, he added that the disbursement of compensation for the land acquired from the residents will see an increased flow of money in the market.