Adani Group to build truck parking terminal on NH 66, easing congestion in Kozhikode

Kozhikode: A truck parking terminal will be constructed on National Highway 66, which is being developed into a six-lane road. This terminal will be located between Vadakara Puthuppanam and Palolipalam, equipped with all necessary facilities for truck drivers. However, the current challenge is the lack of available space for the project. Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have indicated that efforts are underway to resolve this issue. Adani Builders, who are currently contracted to expand the road from Azhiyur to Vekkalam, will also take charge of constructing the terminal.

Site acquisition and design plans

Once the site has been secured, NHAI will prepare and hand over the design to Adani Builders. This project marks the first instance of NHAI constructing a dedicated truck parking terminal in Kerala. Truck owners and workers have long expressed the need for parking facilities along the Kozhikode bypass, as this area sees the highest influx of long-distance goods trucks. Unfortunately, no space is available on the bypass, prompting the decision to build the terminal near Vadakara. The facility will operate on a pay-and-parking basis, although no further details about the project have been released yet.

Daily cargo arrivals highlight urgent need

Every day, cargo lorries from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab arrive in Valiyangadi at Kozhikode and surrounding areas. Due to the absence of dedicated facilities, many trucks are parked on the roadside, leading to traffic congestion. Gas tanker lorries frequently halt at key points on the Kozhikode bypass, particularly at Thondayad and Ramanattukara. Lorries coming to and from Valiyangadi often stop in the south beach area of Kozhikode, leaving lorry drivers with no proper resting spots or restroom facilities.

Persistent challenges with lorry parking

Approximately 100 lorries arrive in Kozhikode city daily from various regions. In south beach, local authorities have initiated efforts to address the lorry parking situation, as roadside parking has become increasingly problematic for locals. Discussions regarding a new parking terminal have been ongoing for over 15 years, yet little progress has been made. Although a plan involving private participation was developed, the current status of an agreement with the Maritime Board remains unclear.

Kozhikode struggles with lorry parking delays

Although many states have lorry terminals, lorry workers claim that only Kozhikode city is facing delays in setting one up. The government has promised to provide resting facilities for tourist taxi drivers. Kabir Kalleri, the State General Secretary of the Heavy and Goods Transport Workers Union (AITUC), pointed out that despite lorry workers generating the highest GST income in the country, they are left without any proper facilities. Mumbai, for instance, has three lorry terminals, and Bengaluru also has similar infrastructure. Kabir added that when lorry drivers find a spot with some shade, street vendors often force them to move from their temporary parking spots.