Kannur: After nearly five decades of waiting, the Thalassery-Mahe bypass has been open to the public on Monday. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the bypass on Monday through a video conference. This is the first six-lane road in Malabar, constructed under the National Highway development project.

Public Works Department minister PA Mohammed Riyas and Speaker AN Shamseer were present at the inauguration in Thalassery's Chonadam. The stage was set under the bypass bridge where thousands attended. The event had cultural events too.

The inauguration was followed by a double-decker bus ride on the newly constructed six-lane highway by Riyas and Shamseer. Prior to the inauguration BJP had conducted their yatra on the Thalassery-Mahe bypass.

The bypass is a blessing in disguise to long-distance commuters who struggle with slow traffic. The bypass is constructed in such a way that it avoids both Thalassery and Mahe cities. 

Thalassery-Mahe bypass comprises an overbridge, a railway overbridge, 21 underpasses, and a toll plaza.

Construction of the Thalassery-Mahe bypass was undertaken by an Ernakulam-headquartered E.K.K. Infrastructure Limited. The cost of the project is Rs 1,226 crores.