SH 8 π₯ Main Eastern Highway π₯ Punalur - Muvattupuzha Road π₯ ( Kerala, India )
36 videos β’ 2,153 views β’ by Roads 4K - Travel Videos The Main Eastern Highway, also known as the Punalur-Muvattupuzha Highway, stands as the lifeblood connecting the high-range townships in the Travancore region of Kerala, India. Designated as State Highway - 08 (SH-08), it spans a substantial distance of 153.6 km, making it the second-longest State Highway in Kerala. This vital route weaves through the diverse districts of Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam. Embarking from Punalur, the highway charts its course through Alimukku, Piravanthoor, Pathanapuram, Kallumkadavu Junction (joining SH 05), Kalanjoor, Koodal, Konni, Kumbazha (meeting T.K.Road / SH - 07), Mylapra, Ranni, Manimala, Cheruvally, Ponkunnam, Pala, Thodupuzha, and finally, converges at Muvattupuzha, merging seamlessly with MC Road (SH 01). The Main Eastern Highway plays a pivotal role in interconnecting major towns such as Punalur, Pathanapuram, Konni, Pathanamthitta, Ranni, Manimala, Ponkunnam, Pala, Thodupuzha, and extends its reach to the primary intersection at Muvattupuzha. It serves as a crucial artery for the economy of the high-ranges in South and Central Kerala. Notably, it forms the primary route to Sabarimala, Kerala's largest pilgrimage center, commencing near Pathanamthitta. Despite being the shortest route from Punalur to Angamaly and Northern Kerala, as well as connecting Tamil Nadu townships like Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi, the highway awaits further development to reach its full potential. Functioning as a parallel road to the Main Central Road (MC Road/SH-01), it also serves as the shortest route to the Kerala State Capital Thiruvananthapuram from various key townships in Idukki district, including Kumali, Munnar, Kattappana, Thodupuzha, Moolamattam, and Nedumkandam. Townships on the Main Eastern Highway: The Main Eastern Highway encompasses several townships along its route, including Punalur, Alimukku, Piravanthoor, Pathanapuram, Koodal, Konni, Kumbazha, Ranni, Manimala, Ponkunnam, Pala, Thodupuzha, and Muvattupuzha. Future Prospects: Under the World Bank-funded Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP), the ongoing upgrading work on the Punalur-Ponkunnam-Thodupuzha stretch holds promise for enhanced connectivity and improved infrastructure along this crucial roadway. Key junctions, such as Pallimikku Junction (Punalur), Pathanapuram, Kallumkadavu Junction, Kalanjoor, Koodal, Konni, Kumbazha, Mylapra, Mannarakulanji, Uthimmoodu, Mandiram, Ranni, Makkapuzha, Ponthanpuzha, Karikkattoor, Cheruvally, Ponkunnam, Elamgulam, Pala, Thodupuzha, Vazhakulam, Nirmala College Junction, and Muvattupuzha, are part of this significant project, contributing to the region's economic development and improved transportation infrastructure.