The Kerala state budget has announced plans for a new tunnel road between Kattappana and Theni, aimed at easing long-standing travel hardships along the winding ghat route. The project is expected to significantly improve mobility for residents and travellers across the high ranges.
Finance Minister K N Balagopal said the government is exploring the construction of the tunnel to address traffic bottlenecks and challenging terrain in the region. To take the project forward, the budget has earmarked ₹10 crore for a detailed feasibility study.
Once implemented, the tunnel road is expected to cut travel distance by nearly 20 kilometres, reducing travel time and enhancing connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The Finance Minister also announced continued investment in urban transport, with ₹79.03 crore allocated for the second phase of the Kochi Metro, reinforcing the state’s focus on modern, efficient, and sustainable transport infrastructure.
