Despite the absence of service roads on the 14.40
km stretch of the Trichy-Thanjavur NH between Palpannai and Thuvakudi for about
ten years, the area continues to attract significant
investments, including new commercial complexes on both sides of the highway.
The service roads for the 14.4 km
stretch are estimated to cost around Rs 5.20 billion, while the elevated
corridor proposal was estimated at around Rs 30 billion, involving fund sharing
between the state and the Union Government.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prioritized
the construction of service roads over an elevated
corridor to decongest the Trichy-Thanjavur national highway (NH),
notorious for fatal accidents.
Citing public opposition, NHAI has decided against pursuing
the elevated corridor, an expensive alternative. With the elevated road plan
effectively shelved, coordinated efforts between NHAI and the state government
are needed to realize the service road project.
Despite the absence of service roads on the
14.4-km stretch of the Trichy-
While residents
demand service roads, some traders suggested an elevated corridor to avoid land
acquisition and property loss.
However, neither the state government nor NHAI
has made progress in resolving this issue. As traffic congestion on
the narrow highway connecting the Cauvery delta with Trichy has drastically
increased, the demand for service roads has resurfaced. In response, NHAI
stated they are unlikely to pursue an elevated corridor on the Trichy-Thanjavur
NH.
“As people are not interested in
the elevated corridor plan, we will not push for it. But the state government's
support is crucial to materialize the service road plan,” a senior NHAI
official told TOI.
Apart from public
opposition, the project’s cost is another factor in shelving the elevated
corridor. While the service roads for the 14.4 km stretch are estimated to cost
around Rs 520 crore, the elevated corridor proposal is estimated at around Rs
3,000 crore, involving fund sharing between state and Union governments.