The implementation of the 697 kilometers East Coast Road expansion project in India is well underway according to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Work on the 55-kilometer stretch from Kadavacherry bordering Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts has already been done. On the other hand, the project has marked a 65% progress rate between Chidambaram and Villupuram.
Moreover, since April the pace picked up along the Mayiladuthurai-Karaikal stretch as prior challenges were solved. The Union Ministry also entrusted a section, Tuticorin-Tiruchendur-Kanyakumari, to the state highways department for development.
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Scope of the Project for expansion of East Coast Road in India
The project includes the widening of an existing two-way lane into a four-way road. Moreover, it includes the construction of a new bridge across the Kalidam River that is adjacent to the existing structure.
Furthermore, it involves the construction of flyovers as well as grade separators, in addition to vehicular underpasses. Since the road passes through several backwaters and rivers, NHAI also plans to build long bridges.
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, noted that the entire project’s expansion works round up to a cost of about Rs 24,435 crore. The development works for the 55-kilometer stretch from Kadavacherry bordering Cuddalore and Mayiladuthurai districts cost approximately Rs 2,661.75 crore.
Epected completion of the project
By early 2024, NHAI plans to have complete all expansion development works. However, since the northeast monsoon brings heavy downpours to coastal districts, the project’s progress may face a slight slowdown. Thus, its completion may be pushed to July 2024.
East Coast Road expansion project strives to efficiently widen the NH-32 that connects Chennai and Thoothukudi through the East Coast Road. In turn, the project will ease commuting via the Karaikal port. Furthermore, it will also improve the general connectivity between coastal areas.
