TN’s NH wing takes on massive four-laning projects to ease NHAI’s burden, marking the first time the state government undertakes such major highway expansions.
With the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) overwhelmed by numerous projects, the four-lane construction of three major highways in Tamil Nadu has been transferred to the state government’s national highways wing. This marks the first time the state government’s NH wing is handling such extensive projects, involving several crores of rupees.
The three projects include the Thoothukudi-Kanniyakumari NH, the Ramanathapuram-Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi route, and the Coimbatore-Sathyamangalam route, with a two-lane extension from Sathyamangalam to the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border. Additionally, several bypass projects have also been handed over to the state government’s NH wing.
According to official sources, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has approved the widening of the 120-km East Coast Road from Thoothukudi to Kanniyakumari via Tiruchendur, with Rs 392.33 crore allocated for land acquisition. An official from the highways department stated, “The four-lane ECR from Mamallapuram to Nagapattinam is being carried out by the NHAI. However, the 120-km stretch from Thoothukudi to Kanniyakumari was handed over to the state government last year for widening.”
Similarly, the widening of the Ramanathapuram-Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi NH highway from two lanes to four lanes will be undertaken by the state national highways wing. Land acquisition is also underway for the widening of the Coimbatore-Sathyamangalam-TN/Karnataka border road, with Rs 639.18 crore allocated for the project. “A detailed project report is being prepared. Once approved by the center, construction work will begin,” the official added.
Furthermore, the state government will undertake the formation of bypass roads for Vellore, Vettavalam, and Thiruvaiyaru on behalf of the NHAI, with a total of Rs 559.17 crore sanctioned for these projects. This initiative aims to alleviate the pressure on the NHAI and expedite the development of critical infrastructure in the state.
