The long-pending widening of the Kovalam–Akkulam stretch of the Parvathy Puthanar canal, a vital segment of the state’s flagship Kovalam–Bekal waterway project, is nearing execution with land acquisition, rehabilitation, and financing reaching advanced stages.

Kerala Waterways Infrastructure (KWIL), which is spearheading the development, anticipates financial sanction from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) by December. Tendering for the widening works is slated to begin in January 2026. The 18 km stretch will enable smooth connectivity from Kovalam through Thiruvananthapuram to Akkulam, boosting both passenger transit and eco-friendly cargo transport.

A KWIL official stated, "For canal development, a project has been prepared to acquire 986 ares of land with the financial assistance of Rs 124.74 crore from KIIFB." Surveys and notifications have been issued across multiple villages, with further acquisition planned near Kovalam boat jetty and Panathura.

The DPR, prepared by NATPAC and pegged at Rs 183.5 crore, includes structural designs, retaining walls, jetties, bridges, and landscaping to make the canal navigable and touristfriendly.