NHAI Scraps Rs 3000 Cr Flyover, Picks Service Roads for Trichy-Thanjavur Highway

In a significant shift, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to prioritize the construction of service roads over an elevated corridor for the Trichy-Thanjavur National Highway. This decision comes in response to public outcry and the prohibitive cost of an elevated corridor. The 14.4-km stretch between Palpannai and Thuvakudi, notorious for frequent accidents and severe congestion, has long lacked service roads, despite commercial development on both sides.

Residents have been vocal about the need for service roads, while some traders suggested an elevated corridor to avoid land acquisition issues. However, with the elevated corridor costing around Rs 3,000 crore compared to Rs 520 crore for service roads, and growing public opposition, NHAI has shelved the elevated corridor plans.

The highway, which features five major junctions prone to traffic bottlenecks, also faces issues like wrong-side riding and poorly maintained surfaces. There is a growing call from residents for vehicular underpasses to enhance safety and ease traffic flow. NHAI is now preparing to begin service road construction and road relaying work, aiming to improve conditions and reduce congestion on this vital route.

News by Rahul Yelligetti