Final Phase of Rs 1.98 Billion Highway Project Begins Soon

09 Sep 2025 CW Team

Progress So Far

The first phase, covering 4.8 km, was completed during 2023–24 at a cost of Rs 440 million. The second phase, comprising 6 km up to Vallathirakottai, was completed in 2024–25 for Rs 390 million.

The final stretch of 19 km will be executed at a cost of Rs 1.15 billion, with tendering already underway. A senior official confirmed that land acquisition is not required, and the work is expected to begin next month, with a targeted completion period of 10 months.

As part of the infrastructure upgrade, 32 culverts have already been constructed, and 31 more are planned in the final phase to improve drainage and road longevity.

Environmental Approvals and Replantation

Tree removal has been a key aspect of the project’s environmental management. In the earlier phases, the department removed 490 trees after receiving clearance from the District Green Committee. For the final phase, the department is seeking approval to remove approximately 340 additional trees. A joint inspection was recently conducted by officials from the Highways and Forest Departments, alongside NGO representatives, as part of the clearance process.

In line with environmental guidelines, the department has committed to replantation ratios of 1:10 and 1:20 for trees removed and those to be removed, respectively. So far, it has planted 1,350 saplings of indigenous species such as tamarind, naanal, vembu, and pungai along the highway. Additionally, ‘arali’ and neem saplings have been planted on an 11-km median stretch.

Broader Replantation Efforts

Beyond the Pudukottai–Aranthangi route, sapling plantation has also been carried out on the Alangudi–Karambakudi Major District Road, the Alangudi–Kurumbur State Highway, and the Alangudi–Arimalam Major District Road. These efforts reflect the department’s broader commitment to eco-sensitive road infrastructure development in the region.

The State Highways Department is set to commence the final phase of the Pudukottai–Aranthangi Highway widening project, upgrading the corridor to a four-lane road. The entire project, undertaken under the Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme, involves an investment of Rs 1.98 billion, split across three phases.Progress So FarThe first phase, covering 4.8 km, was completed during 2023–24 at a cost of Rs 440 million. The second phase, comprising 6 km up to Vallathirakottai, was completed in 2024–25 for Rs 390 million.The final stretch of 19 km will be executed at a cost of Rs 1.15 billion, with tendering already underway. A senior official confirmed that land acquisition is not required, and the work is expected to begin next month, with a targeted completion period of 10 months.As part of the infrastructure upgrade, 32 culverts have already been constructed, and 31 more are planned in the final phase to improve drainage and road longevity.Environmental Approvals and ReplantationTree removal has been a key aspect of the project’s environmental management. In the earlier phases, the department removed 490 trees after receiving clearance from the District Green Committee. For the final phase, the department is seeking approval to remove approximately 340 additional trees. A joint inspection was recently conducted by officials from the Highways and Forest Departments, alongside NGO representatives, as part of the clearance process.In line with environmental guidelines, the department has committed to replantation ratios of 1:10 and 1:20 for trees removed and those to be removed, respectively. So far, it has planted 1,350 saplings of indigenous species such as tamarind, naanal, vembu, and pungai along the highway. Additionally, ‘arali’ and neem saplings have been planted on an 11-km median stretch.Broader Replantation EffortsBeyond the Pudukottai–Aranthangi route, sapling plantation has also been carried out on the Alangudi–Karambakudi Major District Road, the Alangudi–Kurumbur State Highway, and the Alangudi–Arimalam Major District Road. These efforts reflect the department’s broader commitment to eco-sensitive road infrastructure development in the region.

Infrastructure Transport

01 Jun 2026

MMRDA advances 250 m on Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has completed 250 m of underground tunnelling for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Urban Road Tunnel using India’s largest slurry shield tunnel boring machine (TBM) deployed for an urban road project.The project involves twin tunnels extending over 7 km beneath critical transport corridors, including Central Railway, Western Railway and Metro Line 3. The work requires high-precision engineering to navigate densely developed urban infrastructure.Once completed, the tunnel is expected to reduce travel time between Orange Gate and Marin..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

Hindustan Zinc Pays Rs 188.46 Billion in FY26

Hindustan Zinc contributed Rs 188.46 billion to the public exchequer in FY 2025-26, according to its 9th Tax Transparency Report. The contribution, equivalent to 46 per cent of the company’s revenue, included direct and indirect taxes, government royalties, dividends to the Government of India, withholding taxes and other statutory levies.The company’s five-year cumulative contribution to the exchequer stood at Rs 915.72 billion. In FY26, Hindustan Zinc reported revenue of Rs 408.44 billion, EBITDA of Rs 221.62 billion and profit after tax of Rs 138.32 billion. It also achieved its highest..

Infrastructure Urban

01 Jun 2026

World of Concrete India 2026 Opens in Mumbai

Informa Markets in India will host the 12th edition of World of Concrete India 2026 from 3–5 June 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The specialised B2B exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, developers, architects, consultants, infrastructure companies, project leaders and government stakeholders.The event is expected to feature over 350 brands and more than 18,000 trade professionals. It will cover concrete and cement, dry mortar, precast technologies, formwork, construction chemicals, industrial and commercial flooring, scaffolding, safety solutio..