A senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official told DT Next that they will conduct a feasibility study and subsequently start work on preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the end of March. 

“The Centre has already given its approval for this project and allotted a fund of Rs 10,000 crore. Road work is expected to begin by June after all the procedural things including getting clearance certificates from state government are completed,” the official said, adding that it may take two-years for the project to be completed. 

NHAI sources said that the union road ministry is keen to take up the green expressway project. The new eight-lane greenway corridor will pave the way for reducing distance between the two cities to 274 km from the existing 360 km. The eight-lane highway may pass through Chennai bypass, Vandavasi, Tiruvannamalai, Harur and Salem. 

“Since the existing fourlane route is congested, the new project will help passengers reach their destination within a shorter time,” the official said. The existing four lane road from Chennai passes through Villupuram, Ulundurpet, Kallakurichi, Athur to reach Salem. 

Welcoming the move, S Mohanram, an activist and president of Consumer Protection Council, Tiruninravur, said, “Any new road project is welcome. At the same time, officials should ensure a speedy implementation of it.” 

When contacted, Pon Radhakrishnan, Union Minister of State (MoS) for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, said, “The union road ministry and NHAI are in consultation with the state government to prepare the DPR. The NHAI must get clearance certificates from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and PWD (WRD).” He added that work on big other NHAI projects in the state like the much expected Chennai-Bengaluru expressway will commence soon.