NHAI plans new four-lane highway between Tiruchi and Karur

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has planned a new four-lane highway between Tiruchi and Karur in view of the rising volume of traffic on the stretch running along the Cauvery.

While NH 67 runs via Pettavaithalai, Kulithalai and Mayanur, there is another route to reach Karur from Tiruchi via Somarasampettai and Rachandarthirumalai (RT Malai). The new highway is proposed between the two.

The plan will be part of Bharat Mala programme of the Ministry of Surface Transport.

Although details of the proposal and the exact alignment are yet to be made public, it is learnt that NHAI has identified three alignments between Tiruchi and Karur. The alignment least affecting buildings and fertile lands is likely to be finalised. The new highway running a distance of 65 km will connect Coimbatore-Karur four-way lane highway in Karur and Tiruchi-Madurai Highway in Tiruchi.

A reliable source in NHAI told The Hindu that it had completed several mandatory studies and surveys, including traffic and feasibility, along the short-listed alignment.

The process of preparing a Detailed Project Report has also begun with appointment of a consultant.

A communication had been sent to the State government for facilitating land acquisition.

A senior official said there was no possibility of widening the existing NH 67 between Tiruchi and Karur. The highway had been made into a four-lane stretch from Sukkaliyur in Karur to Mayanur. But most part of it was only a two-lane road. Since a major portion of the road ran along the Cauvery, it was not possible to widen the road further.

Similarly, Tiruchi-RT Malai road had many curves and did not match the requirements of NHAI. Hence, it was decided to build a new highway.

Source