Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for three National Highway projects worth over Rs 20 billion in Puducherry. The projects aim to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and strengthen the Union Territory’s role as a regional hub for tourism and trade.

According to an official statement, the projects include the construction of a 4-kilometre elevated corridor between Indira Gandhi Square and Rajiv Gandhi Square on NH-32, improvements to the 14-kilometre East Coast Road (ECR) on NH-332A, and the inauguration of the 38-kilometre four-lane Puducherry–Poondiyankuppam section of NH-32.

These developments are expected to significantly improve road safety and traffic flow within Puducherry’s urban areas. Travel time between Indira Gandhi Square and Rajiv Gandhi Square will be reduced from 35 minutes to just 10 minutes. The upgraded network will also help decongest the city, leading to substantial fuel savings, lower vehicle emissions, and reduced operating costs.

The new infrastructure will offer better access to major religious and cultural destinations such as the Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Natarajar Temple, Navagraha Temples, and the Aurobindo Ashram. Motorists travelling from Viluppuram towards Cuddalore, Chidambaram, and Nagapattinam will now be able to bypass Puducherry town entirely, cutting travel time by around 50 minutes.

Officials stated that these projects will not only support the region’s economic growth but also promote sustainable tourism and mobility. They are expected to improve road connectivity to Auroville and Pichavaram, further enhancing Puducherry’s appeal as a vibrant centre of culture, commerce, and connectivity.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Puducherry Governor K. Kailashnathan, Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy, Union Minister L. Murugan, state ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and senior government officials.