National Highway 17 (India)
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National Highway 17, commonly referred to as NH 17, is a busy highway that runs roughly north-south along the western coast of India, parallel to western ghats. It connects Mumbai to Kochi(Ernakulam), passing through the states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.
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[edit] History
Prior to building of National Highway 17 in late 60's and early 70's of 20 century A.D ,the people used to go from one place to another by walking,bullock carts and boats.There were few bridges built and rivers were crossed by boat. There were ships and large boats sailing in Arabian sea connecting Mumbai and other places.
[edit] Route
It starts at Panvel, at junction of NH 4, and ends at Edappally, near Ernakulam. NH 17 mainly traverses through the west coast of India, sometimes touching shores of Arabian sea. The NH 17 touches the Arabian sea at Maravanthe in Karnataka. It passes through the Indian states of Maharastra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala.
The National Highway 17 connects cities and towns of different states as follows Mumbai, Mahad, Ratnagiri, Panaji, Madgaon, Karwar, Kumta, Bhatkal, Udupi, Surathkal, Mangalore, Kasargod, Kannur, Thalassery, Vadakara, Kozhikkode, Kodungallur, and Kochi.
[edit] Connectivity
The NH 17 connects the interior parts of coastal regions with rest of the country. The NH 17 connects major sea ports of Mumbai, JNPT, Mormugoa,New Mangalore ( NMPT ) and Cochin. The Highway was the only source of connection between areas in the coastal districts, until the Konkan Railway was opened in 1998, between Mumbai and Mangalore.
[edit] Lifestyle along NH 17
The NH 17 passes through hills, forests, rivers, rivulets, and streams, generally flowing westwards towards Arabian sea. Most of region has typical scene like coconut trees dotted all along with paddy fields and arecanut gardens. The road is not even, with humps, bumps, curves, steep rises and narrow paths in between hillocks are found all over this highway. As this region experiences heavy rainfall, potholes are present occasionally.
Even though language spoken varies along the highway, Food of the people along the NH 17 has some common ingredients like Coconut, chilli, pepper, Coconut oil, Fish etc. The region has higher literacy rate as compared to other regions of India. The building of National Highway 17 has led to rapid development of towns and cities along the highway.
