A Workers Cooperative in Kerala delivers 6 lane NH work much ahead of major corporate players, unveils South India’s widest Single-Pillar Flyover

Project sets new benchmark for sustainable, community-focused infrastructure in Kasaragod district

Bengaluru – April 23, 2025: The Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society (ULCCS), Asia’s largest labour cooperative, is completing the first 39-kilometre Thalappadi–Chengala segment of National Highway 66, well ahead of other 21 stretches in the state. This major milestone for Kerala’s infrastructure development was marked with an official site visit by Kerala’s Minister for Public Works and Tourism, Shri P.A. Muhammed Riyas, alongside key government officials and project stakeholders.

The newly completed stretch is a key component of the NH-66 expansion and features extensive infrastructure upgrades, including two flyovers, four major bridges, four minor bridges, 21 underpasses, 10 foot overbridges, and two overpasses. At the heart of the project is South India’s first single-pillar flyover built using the advanced box girder model. Spanning 1.12 kilometres with a width of 27 meters, the Kasaragod city flyover is Kerala’s widest and a standout in regional engineering excellence. A second 210-meter-long flyover has also been constructed in Uppala, with major bridges across the Mogral, Kumbala, Shiriya, and Uppala rivers further enhancing regional connectivity.

“The completion of this stretch marks a proud moment for Kerala,” said Shri P.A. Muhammed Riyas, Kerala’s Minister for Public Works and Tourism. “With South India’s first single-pillar flyover and world-class road infrastructure, this project reflects our state’s commitment to modern, inclusive development. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and in close coordination with the central government, we are unlocking growth and connectivity in Kasaragod and beyond.”

Shri V.N. Vasavan, Minister for Cooperation and Registration shared, “This is a moment of immense pride for Kerala, our cooperative sector, and the hardworking people of the state. The Uralungal Labor Contract Cooperative Society, a unique cooperative of workers, is the only Kerala-based entity entrusted with the construction of the six-lane national highway. While other stretches have been awarded to major national contractors, it is ULCCS that has set a benchmark by being the first to complete and open their section for public use. Kerala stands proud of this remarkable achievement.”

ULCCS’s successful delivery of this stretch has been widely recognized for its engineering precision, environmental sensitivity, and minimal disruption to communities. Awarded through a competitive global bidding process, the project exemplifies the strength of cooperative enterprise in delivering high-impact infrastructure at scale.

“This is more than a road—it’s a symbol of what collective vision and technical innovation can achieve,” said ULCCS Chairman Rameshan Paleri. “This project sets a new standard for sustainable, community-focused development. From the single-pillar bridge to integrated public amenities, every element has been designed to serve both function and people.”

The Thalappadi–Chengala stretch is expected to significantly reduce travel time, ease congestion, and drive socio-economic progress across Kasaragod—an area historically underserved in national infrastructure plans. The thoughtfully designed public spaces beneath the flyover aim to boost local enterprise and provide a better experience for commuters and residents alike.

ULCCS Directors P. Prakashan, K.T. Rajan, P.K. Sreejith, Project Manager M. Narayanan received the minister, MLAs M. Rajagopalan and C.H. Kunjambu, NHAI Deputy Manager Jaspreet, Team Leader S.K. Sinha, and other dignitaries