Tamil Nadu: NHAI Gears Up With Detailed Project Report For Coimbatore-Karur Greenfield Highway

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a significant step forward in addressing traffic bottlenecks by appointing a consultant to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for a proposed greenfield highway connecting Karur and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.

Recognising the escalating challenges posed by the substantial increase in vehicular movements leading to traffic bottlenecks, the NHAI proposed the creation of a new road between Karur and Coimbatore several years ago.

Despite initial surveys by NHAI officials to gauge traffic volume and determine the road alignment, the proposal faced delays, remaining on the NHAI agenda without significant progress.

Recent developments indicate that the NHAI has expedited the preparatory work for project approval, with the appointment of a Bengaluru-based consultant for the DPR.

An NHAI senior official informed The Hindu that the consultant is expected to submit the DPR within a month, following which it will be forwarded to the NHAI headquarters.

The proposed six-lane highway, complete with service roads where necessary, has its alignment finalised, running approximately five kilometres parallel to the existing highway between Karur and Coimbatore. While minor adjustments may be made to the alignment, no major changes are anticipated.

The NHAI official disclosed that the identification of the land required for the project is underway. According to the draft alignment, an estimated 900 hectares of land may need to be acquired.

The process of land acquisition will commence once the project secures NHAI approval. Final clearance and cost estimates for the project are anticipated after May 2024, marking a crucial milestone in the advancement of this vital infrastructure initiative.