Tamil Nadu: East Coast Road Expansion Project Gains Momentum, Mayiladuthurai-Karaikal Stretch To Be Completed By 2024

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to finish the expansion works on East Coast Road in the districts of Mayiladuthurai and Karaikal by July 2024.

NHAI is widening National Highway-32, which connects Chennai and Thoothukudi through East Coast Road.

The expansion of a 55-km stretch from Kadavacherry to Vanjore is being carried out, costing approximately Rs 2,661.75 crore. The project spans from Cuddalore to Nagapattinam districts.

The project is currently being expedited by the agency.

The project gains importance due to its crucial role in improving connectivity between the coastal areas and the ports of Chennai, Thoothukudi and Karaikal.

The project encountered temporary setbacks caused by lack of resources. Financial difficulties and problems with acquiring land resulted in physical progress of only 17 per cent by February's end.

According to NHAI, the Villupuram to Chidambaram project is at 65 per cent completion and is set to finish in early 2024.

Progress has accelerated in the Mayiladuthurai - Karaikal stretch since April due to the resolution of issues.

NHAI's plan to widen the existing two-way lane into a four-way includes building a new bridge across the Kollidam river, alongside the current structure. Given that the northeast monsoon brings heavy downpours to coastal districts, progress may slow down during monsoon season.

As a result, NHAI has scheduled to complete these works by July 2024, allowing for adjustments to work plans to ensure that they are completed on schedule.