NHAI Installs Noise Barriers on Kerala Elevated Highway

14 Jan 2026 CW Team

The elevated corridor is being constructed directly above the existing four-lane road without additional land acquisition, bringing it close to densely populated residential areas, multi-storeyed buildings, schools and hospitals. Given the proximity to sensitive zones, NHAI decided to install noise barriers to mitigate the impact of traffic noise on surrounding communities, a senior official said.

The barriers, made of translucent polycarbonate material, are designed to reduce traffic noise—mainly from vehicle horns and engines—by 10 to 15 decibels. Measuring 1.8 metres in height, they are being installed above boundary walls that are approximately 4 metres tall, along the outer edges of the elevated highway.

Installation work has commenced on the Thuravoor–Kuthiathode stretch. Officials said the measure is expected to help reduce health risks associated with prolonged exposure to noise pollution. The technology has already been implemented successfully in other parts of the country, including Delhi, ensuring that increased traffic capacity does not come at the cost of residents’ quality of life.

In another first for the state, NHAI has also started developing a dedicated cycle track beneath the country’s longest single-pillar elevated corridor. Built atop the utility corridor below the main elevated deck, the track will offer a safe and exclusive space for cyclists. Beginning near the Thuravoor end, the facility marks the first time NHAI has integrated cycling infrastructure into a major highway project in Kerala.

NHAI plans to open a 5 km elevated stretch between the Aroor and Chandiroor ramps by March. The entire elevated highway is scheduled for completion by the revised deadline of June 30.

Meanwhile, residents have welcomed initiatives such as the noise barriers but have urged authorities to immediately restore roads in areas where construction work has already been completed.

In a first for Kerala, the National Highways Authority of India has begun installing noise barriers along both sides of the 12.75 km Aroor–Thuravoor elevated highway, which is expected to be fully opened to traffic by the middle of this year. The elevated corridor is being constructed directly above the existing four-lane road without additional land acquisition, bringing it close to densely populated residential areas, multi-storeyed buildings, schools and hospitals. Given the proximity to sensitive zones, NHAI decided to install noise barriers to mitigate the impact of traffic noise on surrounding communities, a senior official said. The barriers, made of translucent polycarbonate material, are designed to reduce traffic noise—mainly from vehicle horns and engines—by 10 to 15 decibels. Measuring 1.8 metres in height, they are being installed above boundary walls that are approximately 4 metres tall, along the outer edges of the elevated highway. Installation work has commenced on the Thuravoor–Kuthiathode stretch. Officials said the measure is expected to help reduce health risks associated with prolonged exposure to noise pollution. The technology has already been implemented successfully in other parts of the country, including Delhi, ensuring that increased traffic capacity does not come at the cost of residents’ quality of life. In another first for the state, NHAI has also started developing a dedicated cycle track beneath the country’s longest single-pillar elevated corridor. Built atop the utility corridor below the main elevated deck, the track will offer a safe and exclusive space for cyclists. Beginning near the Thuravoor end, the facility marks the first time NHAI has integrated cycling infrastructure into a major highway project in Kerala. NHAI plans to open a 5 km elevated stretch between the Aroor and Chandiroor ramps by March. The entire elevated highway is scheduled for completion by the revised deadline of June 30. Meanwhile, residents have welcomed initiatives such as the noise barriers but have urged authorities to immediately restore roads in areas where construction work has already been completed.

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Implementation Status of Jal Jeevan Mission

Since August 2019 the Government has implemented Jal Jeevan Mission to provide assured potable water through household tap connections in rural India. At the start of the mission only 32.3 million (mn) rural households, representing 16.7 per cent, were reported to have tap water connections. States and union territories have reported that 125.8 mn additional rural households have since been provided with tap connections. As a result, of about 193.6 mn rural households roughly 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water supply at home.\n\nThe State, district and village level st..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Jal Jeevan Mission Reaches Eighty One Per Cent Rural Coverage

The Government reported substantial progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in August 2019 to provide tap water to every rural household. At launch only 32.3 million (mn) rural households had tap connections and states and Union territories reported provision of 125.8 mn additional households by March 2026. Consequently, out of about 193.6 mn rural households around 158.2 mn, or 81.71 per cent, are reported to have tap water at home. The Finance Minister announced extension of the mission until 2028 in the 2025-26 budget speech. The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen, launched in October 20..

Infrastructure Urban

13 Mar 2026

Empowering Local Governance for Sustainable Rural Water Supply

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has aligned the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) with the 73rd Amendment to strengthen village level planning and community ownership of water supply. Gram Panchayats, village water and sanitation committees and Pani Samitis are to plan, implement, manage and maintain piped water systems, with gram sabha processes formalising handover and oversight. Implementation support agencies including non government organisations, community based organisations and self help groups have been empanelled to train local committees and promote women participation. Under JJM, the department ..