Louis Berger (A WSP Company), a global professional services corporation, was recently awarded by Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) Limited, the detailed design of the project for the six-laning of the Thalapady to Chengala section of NH-17 (New NH-66) in Kasaragod, Kerala. ULCCSL was awarded the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Louis Berger International (LBI) (A WSP Company) will develop the detailed design for the project including geotechnical investigations, traffic survey, soil and material testing, highway design, structures design, storm water drainage design, and construction stage design support. The project will include the design of the main highway of 39km length with service roads on both sides, 4 major bridges, 4 minor bridges, 1 flyover, 10 vehicular underpasses and light vehicular underpass, 3 foot over bridges and 81 culverts.

Kshitish Nadgauda, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, LBI-Asia said, “We are delighted to be working on another project in Kerala and thank ULCCSL for choosing us for this prestigious project under Bharatmala Pariyojana. We are committed to participating with all stakeholders in advancing infrastructure development goals in Kerala. With our highly qualified and experienced group of professionals, we are committed to delivering to ULCCSL, to the NHAI and to Kerala services of the highest quality.”

“This latest win highlights Louis Berger’s dedication and contribution to India’s essential growth. Louis Berger will use its immense expertise and experience to design this project in Kerala. Through this, we aim to deliver the best-in-class infrastructure and experience of our highways, bridges, and roadways to the people of Kerala,” commented Surajit Bhattacharya, Chief Operating Officer, LBI-Asia.

Louis Berger International (LBI) will closely work with the Uralungal Labour Contract Co-operative Society Limited (ULCCS) for the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) project. The Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) is a mix of the EPC and BOT models, where the government will contribute 40 per cent of the project cost in the first five years through annual payments (annuity). The balance 60% is arranged by the developer and is recovered from the NHAI in variable annuity amounts after the completion of the project. The NHAI will collect revenue generated by the project.