The Chennai-Tada National Highway widening project is rapidly nearing completion, with over 95.75% of the work already accomplished.
Recently, the contractor has resumed work on the remaining 1.4 km stretch, signalling a significant step towards the project’s successful conclusion. According to sources within the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the contractor has recommenced construction on two critical structures – a light vehicular underpass (LVUP) and a pedestrian underpass essential components of the widened highway. However, the completion of these structures has faced delays, primarily due to cost-related issues raised by the contractor. Concerns over material costs prompted the contractor to seek a revision in the allocated funds. Subsequently, after negotiations with the NHAI, an agreement was reached wherein the NHAI agreed to cover the increased costs, enabling the contractor to resume work on the pending structures.
One significant milestone achieved recently was the completion of the river bridge at Karanodai, which has now been opened for traffic. Despite this achievement, the connection of the bridge to the other side faced hurdles related to land acquisition, contributing to delays in the overall project timeline. Looking ahead, the focus remains on completing the remaining stretch of the Chennai-Tada NH widening project, including the crucial LVUP and pedestrian underpass. With the contractor back on site and work progressing, the project is poised to meet its revised deadline of January 2025, as per the new terms and conditions. Once completed, the widened six-lane facility will significantly enhance connectivity and ease traffic congestion, benefiting commuters and bolstering regional development. The recent developments highlight the collaborative efforts between the contractor and NHAI to overcome challenges and drive the project towards successful fruition. As the project nears its conclusion, stakeholders remain committed to ensuring timely completion and delivering enhanced infrastructure vital for the region’s growth and prosperity.
