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.