[1] The new six lane highway is part of the Kochi - Tuticorin economic corridor which aims at connecting these two major ports enabling smooth movement of cargo between the two.
The highway, which will pass through the Western Ghats of Idukki district, will begin from Kundannoor in Kochi and reach Theni almost 67 kilometres lesser than the existing NH 85 alignment and is expected to decongest the 121-km Kochi–Munnar NH 85 stretch.
[2] The new six lane highway will begin from the south side of Kundannoor in Ernakulam district.
[4] The highway will be constructed by avoiding residential areas and congested towns as much as possible with minimum curves and climbs.
The distance between Kochi and Theni will be reduced by 70-90 km than the existing NH 85 route.