Kerala’s ₹10 Crore Bet on the Idukki-Theni Tunnel

The Kerala government’s 2026–27 state budget has earmarked ₹10 crore for conducting a feasibility study on a proposed 20-km tunnel road connecting Kattappana in Idukki district with Theni in Tamil Nadu.

The proposed tunnel is expected to significantly cut travel time and ease traffic congestion along the hill highway, while also enhancing trade and tourism between the two states. The project forms part of a larger ₹1,182.43 crore allocation for roads and bridges under the Public Works Department (PWD). Of this, ₹1,091.15 crore has been allocated for state roads and ₹91.28 crore for National Highways.

The budget also outlines substantial progress in road infrastructure development across the state. Around 898 km of state highways have been upgraded to four lanes, while 3,193 km have been widened to two lanes. An allocation of ₹300.50 crore has been made for upgrading Major District Roads (MDRs), along with ₹87 crore for overlay works on state highways.

Road safety has been accorded priority, with ₹23.37 crore set aside for related initiatives. Additionally, ₹25 crore has been allocated for the construction of railway overbridges and underpasses, including a ₹5 crore project at Dharmadom Railway Station.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.