NHAI finalises contract for 2-laning Kochi-Munnar highway

14 Dec 2022 CW Team

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has recently finalised the contract for the proposed two-laning of the 121-km Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway-85 section from Kochi to Munnar.

The 121-km length of the narrow NH-85 that runs between Kochi (Kundannoor) and Munnar will be converted into a two-lane highway as part of a Rs 7.90 billion project. The work will begin in January 2023 and will be finished in 30 months, by mid-2025.

The corridor will include paved shoulders and retention walls along the stretch to prevent landslides. Landslips frequently occur in the mountains over which the road runs, necessitating significant investment in often ineffective damage-control measures.

Moreover, such mishaps restricted driving for days at a time, cutting off people from the mainland.

The completion of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi NH-85 project, which is a main entry point for tourists travelling to Munnar from Kochi, is likely to boost tourism.

A four-lane Greenfield National Highway (NH) in the Kochi-Munnar-Theni corridor of about 151 km is being planned and the project is expected to improve connectivity on the route further.

Once completed, tourists and others are expected to take the newly-upgraded corridor, while commercial traffic would take the greenfield NH which is part of the initiative to improve connectivity between Kochi and Tuticorin ports and would take a different alignment.

See also:
PM unveils Nagpur's Maharashtra Samriddhi Mahamarg
Gadkari inaugurates 7 NH projects worth Rs 24.44 bn in MP

Infrastructure Transport

16 Sep 2025

Metro Line 2B Phase 1 to Boost Realty in Mumbai’s Eastern Suburbs

Mumbai’s real estate sector is set for a major boost as Phase 1 of Metro Line 2B, between Mandale and Diamond Garden, nears completion. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has confirmed that mandatory rectifications are done, and inspections by the Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) have been carried out. The 5.39-km stretch with five stations forms part of the larger DN Nagar–Mandale corridor, designed to ease congestion and improve east–west connectivity. Passenger operations are expected by December 2025, with the full line slated for 2027. ..

WattPower wins Best Inverter award at Global Solar Expo 2025

WattPower, a leading renewable energy solutions provider, has won the award for “Best Inverter in the Utility Segment” at the Global Solar Expo 2025. The recognition underscores the company’s commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance and future-ready solar solutions for large-scale projects. At the forefront of utility-scale solar, WattPower manufactures advanced string inverters that directly feed power into the Indian grid. With robust technology, high-quality components and comprehensive product lifecycle support, its solutions stand among the most sophisticated in the ..

Awfis delivers 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub for eBay in Bengaluru

Awfis Space Solutions, India’s largest flexible workspace provider and the first publicly listed workspace solutions platform, has partnered with eBay to establish a 67,000 sq. ft. innovation hub at Embassy Tech Village, Bengaluru. The mandate covers design, build and management of the new office, which will act as a strategic hub supporting diverse functions and accelerating eBay’s AI-first commerce strategy. The centre will focus on artificial intelligence, engineering, product development and applied research, strengthening eBay’s growth in India. Embassy Tech Village, North Beng..