KOCHI: Get ready to shell out more cash for that scenic drive to Munnar. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), in the midst of upgrading the crucial Kochi-Munnar NH 85, has started construction of a new toll plaza at Kavalangad, between Kothamangalam and Neriyamangalam.
The new toll booth signals an end to free passage on this key stretch. While the improved highway promises smoother, safer, and faster access to the hills, it will end up denting the travel budget of tourists and commuters alike.
“The NHAI has started construction of the toll booth at Kavalangad, near Oonnukal. This is a key section connecting Muvattupuzha town with Neriamangalam and the hill ranges. The common man will be hit the most as private buses and the KSRTC will pass on the burden to commuters. A large section of people are daily wagers and farmers, who will be the most impacted,” said Joseph Thomas, a social activist.
When contacted, NHAI officials said construction of the toll booth has gained pace, though, the fee would be levied only after completion of work on the entire 124km-long Kochi-Munnar stretch of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi NH 85.
“Previously, the highway had a width of 5.5 to seven metres on many stretches. The same has now been widened to a minimum 10 metres, wherever possible. Also, we’re carrying out curve straightening and construction of retention walls at a number of places to cut mishaps and prevent landslides. Construction is nearing completion, except on the 14.5km Neriamangalam-Valara section where work has been suspended pending a court decision,” a senior NH official said.
The Rs 910 crore project, sanctioned in December 2022, mainly involves widening of the two-lane corridor from Kochi to Munnar. With the completion of the project, scheduled for March 2026, the design speed will be enhanced to 80 kmph. This is the second toll plaza on the NH 85 stretch, with the first facility coming up on the Munnar-Bodimettu section, in Idukki district.
14.5km sticking point
The new toll both isn’t the only concern. All eyes are on the Kerala High Court, which is slated to issue an order on Monday on whether the land in question on the 14.5km Neriamangalam-Valara stretch is forest or not.
On July 11, the court suspended road upgradation work on the stretch, citing issues with the “forest land” and lack of necessary approvals from the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change based on a petition filed by Idukki-based environmentalist M N Jayachandran.
The ruling sparked widespread protests by locals desperate for a safer, improved road. Now, in a major reversal, the state government has submitted a new affidavit arguing that the land is, in fact, revenue land. The assertion that, if upheld, could finally clear the path for the long-delayed completion of this vital stretch.
“The court is taking up the case tomorrow [Monday], and we expect a verdict. We’ll proceed legally if the court declares that the work will continue to be suspended. The development is crucial for scores of residents, especially in the highlands,” said P M Baby, chairman of National Highway Protection Council.