Mumbai, Oct. 28 -- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has begun installing noise barriers along the 12.75 km Aroor-Thuravoor elevated highway in Kerala to reduce traffic noise and protect residents living near the busy corridor. More than 50 per cent of the barriers have been installed, and the remaining work is expected to be completed within a month.
The elevated highway passes through densely populated areas where houses, multi-storey buildings, schools and hospitals are located close to the road. The noise-control measures are intended to address concerns about the impact of vehicle movement, horns and heavy traffic on nearby communities.
The elevated structure is being constructed above the existing four-lane NH without acquiring additional land. Because the corridor runs close to residential areas, noise mitigation was treated as an important component of the project, according to an NHAI officer.
The barriers consist of translucent polycarbonate panels designed to intercept and absorb sound from vehicles. They are expected to reduce traffic noise by around 20 to 30 decibels, particularly noise generated by horns, engines and the movement of heavy vehicles.
Each panel is 1.5 m high and is being fixed above boundary walls along the outer edges of the elevated corridor. The transparent material allows light to pass through while creating a physical barrier against sound, according to Ashoka Buildcon, the firm handling the work. The company is also known as ABL.
This is the first highway in Kerala where such barriers are being installed. Similar technology has been used on highway infrastructure in other parts of India, including Delhi. The entire elevated highway is scheduled for completion by the revised deadline of March 2027.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.