Excitement Soars as Gadkari’s Visit Ignites Hope for Long-Awaited Vikravandi-Thanjavur Highway Project

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently inspected the long-delayed Vikravandi-Kumbakonam-Thanjavur national highway project, sparking renewed optimism for its completion. The crucial infrastructure development, pivotal for the delta region, has faced numerous setbacks including Cyclone Gaja, the COVID-19 pandemic, and land acquisition delays, pushing the original September 2020 deadline significantly.

During his visit, Minister Gadkari noted that approximately 95% of the work on the Thanjavur-Cholapuram and Cholapuram-Sethiyathope packages is complete. However, the NHAI plans to re-tender the remaining package due to delays, and construction will resume promptly.

Residents of Kumbakonam are particularly hopeful following Gadkari’s assurances. A local resident, A. Giri, expressed his expectations for the timely completion and opening of the Thanjavur-Cholapuram section. The project includes a 48 km four-lane stretch with two bypasses, four major bridges, and 15 underpasses/flyovers.

V. Sathiyanarayanan, Secretary of the All Traders Associations of Kumbakonam, emphasized the urgency of completing the Vikravandi-Sethiyathope section, which spans about 50 km and includes three bypasses, four major bridges, and 20 underpasses/flyovers. Highlighting the importance of this corridor for commerce and tourism, he urged the Minister to expedite the work, especially with the upcoming mahamaham festival in 2028.

Sathiyanarayanan also appealed for the upgrade of the Kumbakonam-T. Palur-Jayamkondam-Vridhachalam-Ulundurpet State highway to a national highway, linking it to the Golden Quadrilateral for better connectivity and economic growth.

Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/gadkaris-visit-raises-hopes-of-vikravandi-thanjavur-highway-project-getting-a-push/article68648196.ece
Category : Tiruchirapalli
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