The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the four-laning of the 46.7-kilometre Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram section of National Highway-87. This crucial infrastructure project, sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹1,853 crore, forms an integral part of the larger Madurai-Dhanushkodi corridor, promising to dramatically enhance travel efficiency and foster socio-economic growth in southern Tamil Nadu, particularly for the revered pilgrimage centre of Rameswaram.
The approval underscores the government’s commitment to modernising India’s road network, especially along corridors vital for both economic activity and religious tourism. The existing connectivity between key towns such as Madurai, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram, Mandapam, Rameswaram, and Dhanushkodi has long relied on a two-lane NH-87 and associated State Highways. These routes frequently experience substantial congestion due to high traffic volumes, particularly in densely populated stretches, leading to prolonged travel times and increased operational costs for commuters and freight.
According to officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the four-laning of the Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram section is projected to increase the average vehicular speed by a remarkable 67%, from 48 kilometres per hour to 80 kilometres per hour. This enhancement is expected to reduce travel time along this segment by a substantial 40%, cutting it from approximately 60 minutes to just 30 minutes. Such efficiency gains are critical for improving logistics, reducing fuel consumption, and thereby contributing to the broader agenda of creating zero net carbon and eco-friendly transportation infrastructure.
The project’s strategic importance is further amplified by its seamless integration with five major National Highways, namely NH-38, NH-85, NH-36, NH-536, and NH-32, as well as three State Highways: SH-47, SH-29, and SH-34. This extensive network integration will ensure uninterrupted connectivity across vital logistics nodes of southern Tamil Nadu, significantly strengthening the movement of freight to and from Rameswaram, a key religious and commercial hub. Improved freight movement is a direct catalyst for economic growth, enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and expand their reach.
Financially, the project will be executed under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) variant that balances government support with private investment. This model is favoured for its ability to mitigate risks for private developers while ensuring timely project completion and high-quality infrastructure. The government provides a portion of the project cost during construction, with the remainder paid as annuities over the operational period, making such large-scale infrastructure ventures more attractive for private sector participation.
Beyond the immediate benefits of reduced travel time and improved connectivity, the project is anticipated to generate substantial employment opportunities. Official estimates suggest the creation of approximately 8.4 lakh man-days of direct employment and an additional 10.5 lakh man-days of indirect employment. This significant job creation will provide a much-needed economic impetus to the surrounding regions, fostering local livelihoods and contributing to overall socio-economic prosperity. The annual average daily traffic on this section is estimated at 12,700 Passenger Car Units (PCU), underscoring the high demand and necessity of this infrastructure upgrade.
In a related development aimed at enhancing passenger experience across the Indian Railways network, the “RailOne” application was launched on Tuesday. This innovative mobile application serves as a comprehensive, one-stop solution for a myriad of passenger needs, integrating services previously spread across multiple platforms. From ticketing (reserved, unreserved, and platform bookings) and PNR enquiry to live train tracking, food ordering on trains (e-catering), and grievance redressal through RailMadad services, RailOne consolidates essential functionalities into a single, user-friendly interface. A notable incentive includes a 3% discount on unreserved tickets purchased through the R-Wallet feature, encouraging digital transactions and greater efficiency. This digital initiative aligns with the vision of smarter, more accessible, and gender-neutral public services, ensuring convenience for all travellers.
The combined impact of these infrastructure and digital advancements reflects a concerted effort to build a more connected, efficient, and sustainable transportation ecosystem in India. The four-laning of NH-87 will not only facilitate smoother pilgrimages to Rameswaram but also catalyse trade, tourism, and industrial development in southern Tamil Nadu. Simultaneously, digital platforms like RailOne are streamlining the travel experience, making public transport more appealing and accessible. These initiatives collectively contribute to the broader national objective of fostering equitable urban and regional development, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing the quality of life for millions of citizens.
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