NHAI approves construction of ₹3,790-cr highway from Kochi to Munnar

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved the construction of a 121 km two-lane highway from Kochi to Munnar, known as the Kochi-Dhanushkodi NH 85, at a cost of ₹790 crore. The narrow stretch of road between Kochi and Munnar will be converted into a two-lane highway with paved shoulders and retention walls to prevent landslides. The project is expected to be completed within 30 months and will improve connectivity for tourists and other road users. NHAI is also planning a four-lane Greenfield National Highway, known as the Kochi-Munnar-Theni corridor, which will be about 151 km long and involve an investment of ₹3,000 crore. The corridor is expected to improve connectivity between Kochi and Tuticorin ports, and commercial traffic such as goods carriers will take a different alignment. The alignment of the four-lane highway will go through areas that are least developed or unoccupied, and service roads will be built on either side.