The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a new tender to develop a comprehensive project report (DPR) for a proposed four-lane greenfield highway that will connect Trichy, Karur, and Coimbatore, in addition to establishing a new northern bypass for the city.
These proposed projects, which span approximately 230km in total, are designed to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity. The northern bypass is anticipated to serve the northern suburbs of the city and will feature a high-level bridge over the Cauvery River to help reduce traffic congestion.
According to NHAI sources, the northern bypass will be separate from the planned Thuvakudi-Jeeyapuram semi-ring road, which is intended for the western and southern areas of the city. “The northern bypass road is entirely distinct from the proposed and ongoing Thuvakudi-Jeeyapuram semi-ring road project,” stated an official source.
The bypass is expected to intersect the Trichy-Chennai national highway and connect various national and state highways, including routes leading to Namakkal and Chidambaram. The precise alignment and lane configuration will be determined as part of the DPR, which is being managed by NHAI headquarters in New Delhi.
Additionally, the new study revisits the plans for a greenfield highway between Trichy and Karur, which was proposed as an alternative to the current narrow and hazardous stretch that runs through Jeeyapuram and Kulithalai. “In 2019, a 70km greenfield Trichy-Karur highway was proposed, but it was never given priority. At the very least, this DPR study should be realized. We are witnessing fatal accidents on the highway every week,” remarked P Aiyarappan, a road safety advocate.
