Muvattupuzha (Kerala): The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved an additional ₹160 crore for further development works along the 124 km stretch from Kochi to Munnar on the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway (NH 85).
Dean Kuriakose MP announced the approval during a press conference.

Under the existing project design, the highway is being developed into a two-lane road with a minimum width of 10 metres, featuring tiled shoulders. However, a uniform 10-metre width could not be maintained across all areas, as government puramboke lands have been encroached upon in several places. If only the major sharp curves are taken into account, the width needs to be expanded by more than one kilometre in total.

Key highlights of the expansion project

  • Ensuring road width: The newly sanctioned funds will help ensure a uniform 10-metre width across an additional 78 kilometres of the highway.
  • Land acquisition: To achieve the 10-metre width target, private land spanning approximately six kilometres will need to be acquired at various points across the project area. A separate proposal has already been submitted for this purpose.
  • Utility shifting: Funds have also been allocated to relocate Kerala Water Authority (KWA) pipelines along a 5.8 km stretch within the Muvattupuzha municipality and a 13 km stretch within the Kothamangalam municipal limits.
  • Pedestrian commuter amenities: Footpaths will be constructed across a total distance of 2.5 kilometres at various locations. In addition, the project includes the construction of drains and 36 bus shelters at designated points.

Furthermore, the MP stated that a new alignment proposal for the Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam bypasses has been submitted to the NHAI.