"The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the installation of Kerala’s maiden highway noise-reduction system on the Aroor–Thuravoor stretch."

In a first for Kerala, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is 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 highway is being constructed directly above the existing four-lane road without additional land acquisition, placing the structure close to high-density residential areas, multi-storeyed buildings, schools and hospitals. “Given the proximity to residential and sensitive zones, we decided to install noise barriers to mitigate the impact of traffic noise on surrounding communities,” a senior NHAI official said.

The barriers, made of translucent polycarbonate material, are designed to reduce traffic noise—primarily from vehicle horns and engines—by 10 to 15 decibels. Standing 1.8 metres high, they are being installed above boundary walls that are approximately 4 metres tall, along the outer edges of the elevated highway.

Installation work has begun on the Thuravoor–Kuthiathode stretch. The measure is expected to help reduce health risks associated with prolonged exposure to noise pollution. “This technology has been successfully implemented in other parts of the country, including Delhi, and ensures that increased traffic capacity does not come at the cost of residents’ quality of life,” the official added.

In another first for the state, NHAI has also begun 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 provide a safe, dedicated space for cyclists. The cycling facility, starting near the Thuravoor end, 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 called for the immediate restoration of roads in areas where construction work has been completed.