Kodungallur Bypass Road is a short but important part of NH-66 in Thrissur district, Kerala. The bypass takes north-south highway traffic around the busiest central streets of Kodungallur and links the Chanthapura side with Kottappuram. It is commonly documented at roughly 3.5 km and has been in use since 2014.
The road is now part of a much larger transformation of Kerala’s NH-66 corridor. NHAI is six-laning both the Thalikulam-Kodungallur section to the north and the Kodungallur-Edappally section to the south. As of July 2026, Parliament reported about 94% physical progress on the 28.7 km Thalikulam-Kodungallur package and about 71% on the 26 km Kodungallur-Edappally package, with revised completion targets in 2027.
Quick About Kodungallur Bypass Road
| Particular | Details |
| Location | Kodungallur, Thrissur district, Kerala |
| Main Highway | NH-66, formerly NH-17 |
| Approx. Bypass Length | About 3.5 km |
| Main Ends | Chanthapura side and Kottappuram side |
| Opened | 2014 |
| Main Directions | Thrissur/Thalikulam side and North Paravur/Edappally side |
| Nearby Areas | Chanthapura, Kodungallur town, Kottappuram, Pullut, Methala and Sringapuram side |
| Nearest Local Bus Hub | Kodungallur Bus Stand |
| Nearest Major Railway Options | Irinjalakuda and Chalakudy, depending on route |
| Nearest Major Airport | Cochin International Airport |
| Current Major Project | Six-laning of NH-66 on both sides of Kodungallur |
| City / State | Kodungallur, Kerala |
Where Is Kodungallur Bypass Road Located?
Kodungallur Bypass runs around the western side of the main town on NH-66. The northern approach is commonly associated with the Chanthapura side, while the southern end reconnects near Kottappuram before NH-66 continues towards North Paravur and Edappally.
NHAI’s project schedule for the Kodungallur-Edappally six-laning work specifically lists several bus-shelter locations along ‘Kodungallur Bypass’, confirming the bypass as an established part of the national-highway alignment.
Connectivity of Kodungallur Bypass Road
The bypass is mainly a north-south NH-66 route. Northbound traffic continues towards Mathilakam, Kaipamangalam, Thalikulam and the coastal Thrissur side. Southbound traffic continues towards Moothakunnam, North Paravur, Varapuzha and Edappally.
Local roads from Kodungallur also provide connections towards Irinjalakuda, Mala, Vellangallur and the inland Thrissur district road network.
Thalikulam and Coastal Thrissur Connectivity
North of Kodungallur, NH-66 runs towards Kaipamangalam and Thalikulam before continuing along Kerala’s coastal highway corridor. This route is useful for travel towards Guruvayur-side coastal areas and farther north through Thrissur district.
The 28.7 km Thalikulam-Kodungallur six-laning package was reported at about 94% physical progress in July 2026, with a revised completion target of June 30, 2027.
North Paravur and Edappally Connectivity
South of the bypass, NH-66 continues through the North Paravur side towards Varapuzha, Cheranallur and Edappally. This is the main road direction for Kochi, Ernakulam and many central Kerala destinations.
NHAI’s 26 km Kodungallur-Edappally six-laning package was reported at about 71% progress in July 2026, with a revised completion date of May 31, 2027. Construction activity can therefore still affect lane arrangements and travel time.
Kottappuram and Pullut Connectivity
Kottappuram is one of the main southern references for the bypass and provides access towards the backwater and Kodungallur Lake side. Local roads also connect towards Pullut and nearby residential areas.
The wider Kottappuram-Kodungallur area has important bridge and waterway connections, so local traffic can mix with NH-66 through movement near junctions.
Irinjalakuda, Mala and Inland Connectivity
Kodungallur has strong inland road links towards Irinjalakuda, Mala and Vellangallur. These routes are important for travellers whose destination is inside Thrissur district rather than along NH-66.
For inland journeys, drivers should leave the bypass at the correct town approach rather than continuing on NH-66 towards Kochi or the coastal north.
Bus Boarding and Local Transport
Kodungallur Bus Stand remains the main local bus hub. Private and KSRTC services connect Kodungallur with Kochi, Thrissur, Irinjalakuda and nearby towns.
Some private long-distance operators use ‘Kodungallur Bypass’ as a boarding description, while others use Kodungallur Bus Stand, East Nada, Vadakke Nada or nearby highway points. Passengers should follow the exact ticket landmark rather than assuming every bypass-labelled bus stops at the same place.
Railway Connectivity
Kodungallur does not have a major railway station inside the town. Depending on the journey, Irinjalakuda and Chalakudy are practical railway options, while Aluva and Ernakulam stations can be useful for services towards the Kochi side.
For a rail connection, travellers should check which station their specific train serves and allow road-transfer time from Kodungallur.
Airport Connectivity
Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery is the nearest major airport for Kodungallur. The practical road route usually uses the North Paravur/Aluva side or other current highway connections depending on traffic and road work.
Because NH-66 construction remains active and airport approaches can be busy, passengers should keep extra time for a fixed flight.
Nearby Areas Around Kodungallur Bypass
Chanthapura is a major northern town reference, while Kottappuram lies towards the southern end of the bypass. Pullut, Methala and Sringapuram are among the nearby local areas.
Central Kodungallur, the bus stand, markets and temple-side roads are reached by leaving the bypass through the appropriate junctions.
Shops and Daily Facilities
Kodungallur is a developed town, so fuel stations, restaurants, hospitals, pharmacies, banks, markets and vehicle services are available close to the bypass and on the town approaches.
Drivers should use service roads or proper access points where available rather than stopping on the main NH-66 carriageway.
Traffic Conditions on Kodungallur Bypass
The bypass carries cars, buses, trucks and local two-wheelers. Traffic can slow near junctions where town traffic joins NH-66, especially during peak hours and festival periods.
In 2026, six-laning works on both sides of Kodungallur can also create temporary diversions, narrowed lanes and changes to service-road access. Current road signs should take priority over older maps.
NH-66 Six-Laning: Current 2026 Status
NHAI is upgrading the NH-66 corridor on both sides of Kodungallur. The Thalikulam-Kodungallur package covers about 28.7 km, while the Kodungallur-Edappally package covers about 26 km.
A Lok Sabha reply dated July 23, 2026 reported 94% physical progress for Thalikulam-Kodungallur and 71% for Kodungallur-Edappally. The revised completion dates were June 30, 2027 and May 31, 2027 respectively.
These figures refer to the larger six-laning packages, not merely to the short original Kodungallur town bypass.
Renovation of the Existing Kodungallur-Edappally Road
Kerala PWD also initiated one-time improvement works on the existing NH-66 road in the Kodungallur-Edappally section. A 2026 tender covered design chainage 400/410 to 407/930, and the state government later approved acceptance of the tender for the renovation work.
This is separate from the main NHAI six-lane carriageway construction. Travellers may therefore see both national-highway expansion work and local rehabilitation work on older road sections.
Toll Information
There is no separate toll booth simply for entering the short existing Kodungallur Bypass. The wider six-laned NH-66 corridor is still being completed, and future tolling depends on the applicable NHAI plaza notifications and opening arrangements.
Travellers should therefore check current FASTag/NHAI information for a longer NH-66 journey rather than relying on an assumed Kodungallur bypass toll.
Conclusion
Kodungallur Bypass Road is a short but important part of NH-66 that allows through traffic to avoid the busiest central streets of Kodungallur. It connects the Chanthapura side with Kottappuram and provides onward access towards Thalikulam and coastal Thrissur in the north and North Paravur, Edappally and Kochi in the south. The main current change is the six-laning of NH-66 on both sides of Kodungallur, which remained under construction in 2026. Travellers should distinguish the operational town bypass from the much larger six-laning packages.
FAQs About Kodungallur Bypass Road
Q1. Is Kodungallur Bypass already open for traffic?
Yes. The original short Kodungallur Bypass has been operational since 2014. The construction visible now relates mainly to the wider NH-66 six-laning and associated service-road or junction works.
Q2. Is the bypass the same as the Kodungallur-Edappally six-lane project?
No. The existing town bypass is only a short part of NH-66. The Kodungallur-Edappally project covers about 26 km and includes a much larger highway section continuing towards Kochi.
Q3. My bus ticket says only ‘Kodungallur Bypass’. Should I go to the main bus stand?
Do not assume so. Some operators use a bypass pickup while others use Kodungallur Bus Stand, East Nada or another landmark. Confirm the operator’s current pin or boarding instructions.
Q4. Which bypass direction should I take for Kochi and Edappally?
Use the southbound NH-66 direction from Kodungallur towards North Paravur, Varapuzha and Edappally. Follow current construction signs because lane arrangements can change.
Q5. Which direction should I use for Thalikulam and the coastal Thrissur side?
Use the northbound NH-66 direction from Kodungallur towards Mathilakam, Kaipamangalam and Thalikulam.
Q6. Is there a toll on Kodungallur Bypass itself?
There is no dedicated toll booth simply for using the short town bypass. Toll arrangements for longer NH-66 journeys should be checked separately as the upgraded corridor becomes operational.
Q7. Are the NH-66 widening works around Kodungallur complete?
Not fully. In July 2026, the Thalikulam-Kodungallur package was reported at 94% progress and Kodungallur-Edappally at 71%, with revised completion dates in 2027.
