On October 21, 2025, a significant development was announced regarding the long-delayed second phase expansion of the Seaport-Airport Road in Kochi, Kerala. The Kerala government has successfully acquired crucial land parcels from the Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) and the Naval Armament Depot (NAD), clearing a major bottleneck that had stalled the project for over two decades. The project implementation agency, Roads and Bridges Development Corporation Kerala (RBDCK), has now taken possession of these lands, paving the way for the commencement of construction activities.
Industries Minister P. Rajeeve highlighted that the handover of this land marks the resolution of the primary obstacle that had impeded progress on this important infrastructure expansion. The Seaport-Airport Road, which stretches for 25.70 kilometers from Irumpanam to Nedumbassery, is a critical artery designed to alleviate traffic congestion in Kochi and provide streamlined connectivity to the Kochi airport. The second phase of the project focuses on enhancing key sections of the road that will further facilitate smoother traffic flow and support the region’s economic growth.
Specifically, the acquired land includes 1.40 hectares in Thrikkakara North village belonging to HMT. This stretch, located between HMT and NAD, is a vital segment of the second phase construction. The government has deposited ₹37.90 crore, representing the assessed land value, in a nationalized bank as mandated by the Supreme Court, which authorized the state to make the payment. Alongside this, 2.46 hectares of land from the Naval Armament Depot have also been transferred for the project’s use.
The financial details surrounding the NAD land acquisition reflect a well-structured allocation. The government had earmarked ₹32.26 crore, which includes ₹23.11 crore as the assessed land value by the Defence Ministry, ₹8.16 crore for widening the NAD-Thorappu Road, and ₹99.43 lakh for constructing a compound wall. These funds ensure that the acquisition and necessary infrastructural improvements can proceed without financial constraints.
In terms of construction progress, the Kerala government recently granted administrative sanction amounting to ₹17.31 crore specifically for building the road sections adjacent to the HMT and NAD lands. The tendering process for these works is currently underway. For the HMT section, the planned road will be 600 meters long and 45 meters wide, indicating a substantial upgrade intended to accommodate higher traffic volumes and improve vehicular movement. The NAD stretch’s road design has already been completed, allowing subsequent construction phases to proceed without delay.
Moreover, tendering for the widening of the NAD-Thorappu Road is planned to proceed concurrently. This approach ensures that multiple related projects move forward simultaneously, optimizing timelines and resources. Additionally, in December 2025, tenders will be floated for the NAD-Mahilalayam stretch, where land acquisition is nearing completion. The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) has sanctioned a substantial amount of ₹569.34 crore for land acquisition in the region, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fully funding and expediting the expansion project.
The importance of the Seaport-Airport Road cannot be overstated. As a major corridor connecting the bustling industrial and port areas of Irumpanam to the Nedumbassery airport, this road is instrumental in easing traffic congestion in Kochi, one of Kerala’s largest cities. The improved connectivity is expected to boost economic activity by facilitating smoother transport for goods and passengers alike. It will also enhance accessibility to the airport, benefiting both local residents and visitors.
The project’s prolonged delay, spanning more than twenty years, was largely due to complications surrounding land acquisition, particularly involving government-owned lands such as those of HMT and NAD. The recent handover signifies a breakthrough in overcoming these challenges. With the land now officially transferred to RBDCK, construction activities are expected to gain momentum, bringing the second phase of the Seaport-Airport Road closer to completion.
In summary, the Kerala government’s successful acquisition of land from HMT and NAD marks a pivotal step forward in the long-awaited expansion of the Seaport-Airport Road. With significant financial backing, administrative approvals, and tendering processes underway, the project is poised to progress rapidly. Once completed, the enhanced road infrastructure will play a vital role in reducing traffic bottlenecks in Kochi, improving airport connectivity, and supporting the broader economic development of the region.
This development reflects the