DPR for Kochi-Theni greenfield NH-85 to be ready by Sept end

The detailed project report (DPR) for Kochi-Theni greenfield NH-85, which NHAI will build as a four-lane stretch to set up port-to-port connectivity between Kochi and Tuticorin, is likely to be prepared by the end of September. The alignment that would start from Kundannoor Junction's southern side on the NH bypass would move through vacant or least built-up areas to bypass curves and guarantee speedy land purchase. The four-lane NH will be flanked by service roads on both sides. But, it is not yet definite whether land that had been procured 30 years ago by the PWD (NH wing) for the Thripunithura bypass will be integrated with the greenfield alignment that is being fixed. Earlier this year, the PWD had requested the NHAI to cover the entire 8-km-long bypass in the alignment of the proposed greenfield NH and not only the Mattakuzhy-Thiruvankulam stretch where the land procurement got completed. According to the media, routing nearly Rs 9,213 crore greenfield NH through the alignment that had been finalised three decades ago for the bypass might create curves exceeding the permissible limit. It is apart from possible issues that could take place, such as litigation over land possession and problems linked with clearing encroachments. Once the national highway is commissioned, the current Kochi-Munnar national highway, which is now managed by PWD using funds issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), will be given to the state government. The Thripunithura bypass got covered in the Bharatamala Pariyojana NH development project in December 2020. The planned NH corridor will connect Kochi port on the Indian peninsula's western side with Tuticorin on the eastern side. Image Source Also read: Bengaluru-Mysuru highway likely to be ready by next year