Thiruvananthapuram: Construction of the long-delayed service roads on both sides of the Kovalam–Porode Bridge on the Kazhakkoottam–Karode bypass is set to receive renewed official attention after the Kerala State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) directed authorities to expedite the stalled works.

The direction was issued by SHRC Chairperson Justice Alexander Thomas, who asked the Thiruvananthapuram District Collector to convene a meeting of senior officials to work out measures for restarting and completing the service-road construction. The concerned MP and MLA are also to be invited to the meeting.

NHAI Asked to Take Action

The commission has instructed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take necessary steps to complete the service roads, while considering the views of the elected representatives.

The District Collector, NHAI officials and the head of the PWD National Highway wing have been directed to submit an action-taken report within four weeks. The officials have also been asked to appear before the commission when the case is considered on November 2, 2026.

Service Roads Have Remained Incomplete for Years

The service roads near the Kovalam–Porode Bridge have reportedly remained unfinished for several years. Sections where construction stopped have become overgrown with vegetation, while large pits have developed along both sides of the bypass.

The absence of completed service roads has created difficulties for residents and motorists, particularly those who need to move between the areas on either side of the bypass. The complaint considered by the commission also raised concerns about the safety of people attempting to cross the highway.

Earlier reports had highlighted the continuing safety concerns around the unfinished approaches, including steep unfinished stretches and the difficulty faced by residents in accessing the main road network.

Could Improve Connectivity Around Kovalam

Completion of the service roads is expected to improve local connectivity around Kovalam, Porode and nearby areas and provide safer movement alongside the busy Kazhakkoottam–Karode bypass.

For residents as well as visitors travelling towards Kovalam, Vizhinjam and the southern suburbs of Thiruvananthapuram, completion of the unfinished road infrastructure could make access to the bypass more convenient.

The latest SHRC intervention puts the stalled project back under official scrutiny, with authorities now required to report on the action taken within a defined four-week period.