NHAI plans vehicular underpass at entry point to city on Chennai-Tiruchi Highway
The Hindu
NHAI to build VUP at No.1 Tollgate entry to Trichy, ROB at Maruthi Nagar; estimated cost ₹45 crore; work to start in Feb; activists welcome move, call for VUP at Sanjeevi Nagar too.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHA) is drawing up a proposal to provide a vehicular underpass (VUP) at the entry point to the city from the Chennai-Tiruchi-Tuticorin National Highway near the No.1 Tollgate to ease the traffic congestion at the intersection.
The plan will entail the construction of a road over bridge (ROB) near Maruthi Nagar for the through-traffic to go over. The existing carriageways will cater to vehicles exiting the highway towards the city and those entering the highway from here.
Confirming the development, sources in the NHAI indicated that the road overbridge would have six lanes and is estimated to cost ₹ 45 crore approximately. However, the exact estimate may vary on finalisation of the plan.
“Given the traffic conflict at the intersection, a VUP is necessary here. The proposal is currently under scrutiny and it will soon be forwarded to the NHAI headquarters for approval,” the sources said.
The project, once sanctioned would be completed within two years from the date of commencement of work. Indications are that the work could start as early as February.
Given the heavy traffic that the NH caters to, providing proper traffic diversions, to facilitate the construction of the ROB, would be a key issue. Officials are now weighing the options and the diversion plan would be finalised in consultation with the district administration, after which the proposal is expected to be taken forward.
The intersection witnesses heavy traffic round-the-clock and is situated on a curve. Although an automatic traffic signal has been installed at the intersection, police have also placed temporary barricades to force vehicles to slow down and prevent accidents.
The Hindu Morning Digest gives a select list of stories to start the day. Read the top news today on January 13, 2026
China’s EAST fusion reactor surpasses density limits, paving the way for advancements in sustainable fusion energy production.
Chennai Metrowater aims for continuous water supply in Adyar zone, boosting daily supply to 50 million litres in two years.
Karnataka's Bhoomi project offers lessons for other States rushing to digitise land records
The Manidhanaeyam Free IAS Academy in Chennai distributes The Hindu Yearbook 2026 and financial support to UPSC candidates.
London's homicide rate per capita reaches an all-time low, challenging perceptions of safety in the city.
Congress MP Manish Tewari emphasizes internal cohesion as vital for India's strategic autonomy amid global challenges in his new book.
Without strengthening the foundations laid in a child's earliest years of life, India’s development ambitions risk being on fragile ground
Selvaperunthagai claims CBI's actions against TVK leader Vijay aim to coerce him into a BJP alliance, asserting INDIA bloc's strength.
Discover Anushka's inspiring journey from humble beginnings to a standout WPL debut, showcasing her talent and determination in cricket.
“Walk for Equality was aimed at creating a movement to crush the forces attempting to divide the people along religious line, said Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko. Concluding his 140-kilometre ‘Samathuva nadai payanam’ from Tiruchi to Madurai on Monday, Mr. Vaiko said, “The Hindutva forces are actively attempting to drive a wedge between communities through various incidents, most notably the Thirupparankundram deepam controversy, using identity-based politics to achieve their divisive motives.”
The Tamil Nadu government paid ₹1,237.80 crore for the CMCHIS, covering over 1.45 crore families with enhanced health benefits.
Prices of vegetables, fruits, and other commodities have shot up in Bengaluru ahead of Sankranti, with the city’s major markets witnessing increased footfall.