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

27 Feb 2026

Manohar Lal Inaugurates Municipalika 2026

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, inaugurated Municipalika 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, outlining a comprehensive roadmap for India’s evolving urban landscape under the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The three-day exhibition and conference, recognised as India’s only 360-degree platform on safe, smart and sustainable city solutions, is being held from 25 to 27 February 2026. The 18th edition brings together ministers, mayors, municipal commissioners, Smart City CEOs, policymakers, planners and technology providers to deliberate on governance,..

Infrastructure Urban

27 Feb 2026

Enlight Metals Speeds Metal Deliveries by 35%

Enlight Metals has introduced its Agentic AI-enabled procurement platform aimed at addressing long-standing inefficiencies in India’s metal supply chain. The company reports 35 per cent faster procurement cycles and delivery timelines of up to 24 hours across major industrial regions. As infrastructure and manufacturing activity intensify, metal sourcing has remained constrained by fragmented supply networks, limited demand visibility and manual coordination. Enlight Metals’ platform integrates Agentic AI across sourcing, inventory management and logistics, replacing reactive workflows wi..

Infrastructure Energy

27 Feb 2026

Critical Minerals Key to India’s Clean Energy Push

A new report released by FICCI in collaboration with Deloitte underscores the strategic importance of critical minerals and rare earth elements (REEs) in supporting India’s clean energy transition, industrial competitiveness and long-term economic security. As India moves towards 500 GW of renewable capacity, 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070, access to lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, copper and REEs will be central to achieving these targets. The study highlights that mineral security is emerging as a decisive factor in sustaining economic growth and tech..