The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has sanctioned an additional Rs 160 crore for the ongoing development of the 124-kilometer Kochi-Munnar national highway 85 (NH 85). This fresh funding aims to resolve bottlenecks caused by land constraints and encroachments, ensuring a safer and more uniform transit corridor.
Ensuring Uniform Road Width
While the project's standard design outlines a two-lane road with paved shoulders and a 10-meter width, achieving this uniform width had previously proven challenging across several stretches. The new allocation guarantees that the 10-meter minimum width will now be consistently maintained across a vital 78-kilometer section of the highway, according to Dean Kuriakose, MP.
Safety Improvements
High-risk sharp curves will be straightened to the maximum extent possible. The safety measure requires dedicated land acquisition spanning a one-kilometer stretch, Kuriakose added.
Infrastructure Upgrades
Funds have been earmarked to shift Kerala Water Authority (KWA) pipelines out of the construction zone. This includes a 5.3-kilometer stretch within Muvattupuzha municipality and a 13-kilometer section under Kothamangalam municipality. New footpaths and integrated drainage systems will be constructed at multiple sites, covering a combined length of 2.5 kilometers. To improve public transit convenience, modern bus shelters will be built at 36 selected centers along the route.
Land Acquisition for Bottlenecks
To facilitate widening in bottleneck areas where the highway currently falls short of the 10-meter standard, NHAI plans to acquire land across an additional total length of nearly six kilometers. A formal memorandum regarding this land acquisition has been submitted to relevant authorities, said Kuriakose.
Bypass Projects Progress
Meanwhile, the consultancy agency tasked with Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam bypass projects has finalized and submitted a fresh alignment proposal to NHAI. Construction work on these crucial bypasses is slated to begin as soon as the alignment receives final approval from the Centre.
