Adani group may fund 2 loops of cloverleaf interchange

T'puram: The Adani Group is likely to fund construction of two loops of the proposed cloverleaf interchange at Vizhinjam Port–NH 66 junction. This move could significantly ease traffic flow and cargo movement once the port becomes operational. Earlier, state govt dropped the cloverleaf plan due to the high cost of land acquisition, proposing instead a more affordable trumpet-shaped interchange. However, with the Adani Group expressing willingness ‘in principle' to bear the cost of two loops, the cloverleaf design is back on the table.
"We have informed the Adani Group and they have agreed in principle. The final confirmation is awaited. If they take up the cost of two loops, the remaining construction can be managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). So state govt can spend half of the fund for land acquisition only", said a senior official familiar with the development.
However, a source from Adani Group said the discussions are ongoing and the final decision has not been made.
The full cloverleaf design requires nearly 30 acres of land, with an estimated acquisition cost of Rs 360 crore. If the Centre covers half the expense, state govt will bear the remaining Rs 180 crore. NHAI has already approved the cloverleaf design, which was prepared by the Adani Group's engineering team.
The design includes four circular loops that allow for seamless, uninterrupted traffic, essential for smooth cargo transport to and from Port. In comparison, the previously proposed trumpet design involves just one loop and requires less land and cost but offers limited traffic management capabilities.
Meanwhile, construction of the approach road connecting Vizhinjam Port to NH 66 is nearing completion and is expected to be finished within two weeks. However, the final connection to the highway still awaits NHAI's green signal. Sources said the connection will be completed temporarily by filling the soil between the last bridge on the approach road and the service road to facilitate a smooth connection.
NHAI has rejected a previous plan to cut through the NH 66 median to enable U-turns for container trucks. Instead, it has directed that the service roads of NH 66 be used for cargo movement. However, widening of the service roads is yet to begin, potentially delaying smooth port connectivity once cargo operations commence.