Chennai: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to upgrade the Chennai-Trichy National Highway, one of Tamil Nadu’s most critical roads, into an 8-lane expressway. The proposed Green Field Expressway, estimated to cost Rs. 26,500 crore, aims to reduce traffic congestion, accidents, and travel time between Chennai and Trichy.
The existing four-lane highway is often congested, with 80% of Chennai’s vehicles using it, leading to accidents and fatalities frequently. The upgrade would alleviate these issues and enhance road safety, according to officials. NHAI officials confirmed that the project will include emergency service stations, rest areas, and other neceesary road services.
8-lane expressway from Chennai to Trichy will reduce travel time from 6 hours to 4 hours
The project will stretch from Singaperumal Temple near Chennai to Trichy, covering a distance of 310 km. Travel time between Chennai and Trichy is expected to reduce from 6 hours to 4 hours. The upgrade is expected also boost industrial growth and connectivity between key cities in Tamil Nadu.
NHAI has begun initial work on the project, collecting details on road curves, high-accident areas, additional flyovers, and land acquisition. Construction is expected to commence soon after receiving government approval. The Chennai-Salem Expressway will be operational first, followed by the Chennai-Trichy Expressway project, which is slated to start next year. The upgrade is part of the Bharatmala project, which aims to convert the highway into an 8-lane expressway up to Madurai.
Parallely, it is to be noted that the Chennai-Bengaluru Green Expressway project is already underway. With these key expressway projects, Tamil Nadu is set to witness significant improvements in its road infrastructure, fostering economic growth and connectivity.
Once completed, the expressway will provide seamless connectivity to various important cities in Tamil Nadu, including Chengalpattu, Melmaruvathur, Tindivanam, Villupuram, Ulundurpet, Perambalur, and Trichy. This development is expected to bring relief to commuters and boost economic activities in the region.
