Tunnel Road from Kattappana to Theni; Can Save 20 Kilometres; Funds Allocated for Feasibility Study

Thiruvananthapuram: The state budget has announced a new project to improve road connectivity in the highland regions. The plan is to construct a tunnel road from Kattappana in Idukki district to Theni in Tamil Nadu.

With the tunnel, it is estimated that travel distance could be reduced by 20 kilometres. An amount of 10 crore rupees has been allocated in the budget for a feasibility study of the project. Finance Minister K N Balagopal said that the tunnel would help alleviate travel difficulties in the highland areas.

A total of 1,182.43 crore rupees has been allocated for roads and bridges under the Public Works Department. Of this, 1,091.15 crore rupees is earmarked for departmental roads and bridges, and 91.28 crore rupees for national highways.

To upgrade major district roads to high standards, 300.50 crore rupees has been sanctioned. Additionally, 165 crore rupees has been allocated for road construction and ancillary works using NABARD funds.