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The government has approved the four-laning of the Marakkanam-Puducherry section of National Highway 332A in Tamil Nadu at a total cost of INR 2,157 crore. The project, covering about 46 kilometres, is aimed at easing congestion, improving safety, and enhancing connectivity between key towns and cities including Chennai, Puducherry, Viluppuram, and Nagapattinam. It will link major highways, state roads, ports, airports, and railway stations, fostering economic growth, tourism, trade, and industrial development while generating significant employment opportunities in the region.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the proposal to widen the Marakkanam-Puducherry section of National Highway 332A to four lanes. The existing connectivity between Chennai, Puducherry, Viluppuram, and Nagapattinam currently relies on a two-lane highway and associated state roads, which has led to heavy congestion, particularly in densely populated areas and key towns along the route. Advertisement
The project will upgrade around 46 kilometres of the highway from Marakkanam to Puducherry, a move expected to reduce congestion, improve road safety, and accommodate the mobility demands of fast-growing towns in the corridor. The alignment will connect with two major National Highways - NH-32 and NH-332 - along with state highways SH-136 and SH-203, ensuring seamless links to important economic, social, and logistics hubs across Tamil Nadu.
Officials indicated that the upgraded corridor will also improve multi-modal integration, offering connections to Puducherry and Chinnababusamudram railway stations, Chennai and Puducherry airports, and Cuddalore minor port. This will enable faster and more efficient movement of goods and passengers within the region.
Upon completion, the stretch is expected to play a crucial role in driving regional economic growth, strengthening connectivity between major religious and commercial centres, boosting tourism in Puducherry, and creating new trade and industrial prospects. It is also projected to generate approximately 8 lakh person-days of direct employment and 10 lakh person-days of indirect employment, contributing to socio-economic progress in the adjoining areas.
By linking highways, ports, airports, and railways, the project will enhance trade efficiency, promote tourism, and support industrial expansion. Its employment generation potential will further boost local economies, paving the way for sustainable growth and improved quality of life for communities along the corridor.
Source - PTI
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