The Transport ministry has recently decided to build Palani-Munnar-Sabarimala road in Tamil Nadu as a national highway at an investment of Rs.380 crore. As a matter of fact, the entire 370 km long NH would be renovated in two years and that the stretch of NH 85 would be developed for four-lane traffic, which would considerably reduce the traffic problems in Munnar. The tourism potential of Munnar will get a boost with the completion of work on the Munnar-Poopara-Bodimettu stretch of the Kochi- Dhanushkodi National Highway. Of the estimate of Rs.380 crore, Rs.289 crore is earmarked for road work alone. There will be shoulder lines on both sides of the 10 metre wide road and will be constructed using modern technology and reducing the road height to the minimum. Besides, protection walls will be constructed on curves. There will be 124 culverts on the stretch, which include new ones and old ones that are to be renovated. The new alignment will not include the Moolathura curve and Poopara town and will considerably reduce the distance in addition to cost savings on works.
