Trichy Member of Parliament, Durai Vaiko, held a crucial meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, in New Delhi on Friday. The primary agenda was to seek a definitive status update and push for the acceleration of three major National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects in Tamil Nadu that have seen prolonged delays.
Stalled DPRs and Delayed Progress on Key Corridors
During the discussion, Durai Vaiko highlighted that the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for significant sections of two major projects has been stagnant. These include a portion of the ambitious Chennai-Trichy-Thoothukudi greenfield highway and the proposed Trichy semi-ring road.
The MP emphasized that these infrastructure initiatives are not merely about road construction. He stated they are vital for decongesting urban centers and steering economic activities across the region, facilitating smoother logistics and connectivity.
Focus on Accident-Prone Stretch and Port Connectivity
Durai Vaiko brought specific attention to the Trichy-Karur National Highway, a stretch notorious for frequent and fatal accidents. He informed the minister that within the larger Trichy-Karur-Coimbatore highway project, only the Karur-Coimbatore segment has seen tangible progress.
He described the existing Trichy-Karur NH as a critical link for interlinking the western and central districts of Tamil Nadu, including the fertile Cauvery delta region. However, the current road is curvy and narrow, with the river on one side and railway tracks on the other, leaving no scope for widening. Given these dangerous constraints, the MP strongly urged Minister Gadkari to expedite the parallel Trichy-Karur greenfield project.
Furthermore, the MP stressed the need to speed up work on the new highway designed to link the strategically important Thoothukudi port with industrialized areas, a project seen as a catalyst for trade and industrial growth.
Minister's Assurance and Future Roadmap
Durai Vaiko also apprised the minister of an inordinate delay in completing a segment of the Trichy semi-ring road between Panjapur and Jeeyapuram, for which a DPR is still pending completion.
In response to the MP's appeals, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari provided key assurances. The minister committed to commencing work on the Trichy semi-ring road in 2026. He also promised to personally examine the financial models and proposed alignments for the two other greenfield highway projects discussed, signaling a positive step forward after the MP's intervention.
The meeting underscores the persistent efforts by state representatives to unlock central infrastructure projects that are crucial for regional development and public safety in Tamil Nadu.
