The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing to upgrade the national highway stretch linking Thanjavur and Pudukottai via Gandarvakottai in Tamil Nadu.

The project, valued at Rs 450 million, has been awarded and construction activity is expected to commence shortly.

This initiative will be carried out under a performance-based maintenance contract—the first of its kind in the state—where the contractor will not only execute the work but also maintain the 55-kilometre stretch for five years.

According to a senior NHAI official quoted in The Hindu, preliminary works have already begun, with main construction activities likely to start within the next two months.

The project aims to address the deterioration this section has suffered over time, with completion anticipated within a year.

This development follows the recent strengthening of a 75-kilometre highway section from Thirumayam in Pudukottai to Manamadurai in Sivaganga district, completed at a cost of Rs 350 million.

Although civil works were completed last month, finishing touches such as additional signboard installations and other road furniture remain underway.

Meanwhile, NHAI is advancing its long-term capacity expansion plans.