The Union minister Nitin Gadkari has cleared Rs 14.2761 billion (bn) for a bypass project in Tamil Nadu aimed at improving regional connectivity. The ministry said the scheme will enhance links between Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore, Karaikal and Nagapattinam. The bypass alignment will begin from Adiyakkamangalam-Thandalai and pass through Athipuliyur, Andipalayam, Kidaramkondan, Pallivaramangalam, Perumpugalur, Elavangarkudi and Anaivadapathy Colony. The project is intended to divert through traffic from town centres and sensitive stretches. The ministry said the new alignment is expected to reduce congestion in Thiruvarur town, cut travel time by about 15 minutes and improve road safety by keeping heavy vehicles away from commercial and residential areas. The scheme will also strengthen connectivity to State Highway 23, State Highway 65 and the Thyagaraja Swamy Temple. Officials indicated the bypass will aid freight movement and local accessibility while supporting long-term traffic management. Planning will include measures to limit community disruption during construction. Gadkari also reviewed quality and maintenance progress of national highway projects covering 4,335 km in Punjab and 3,332 km across Delhi and Haryana in a meeting held in New Delhi. The review was attended by Ministers of State Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra, officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways Authority of India and contractors. The minister directed officials and contractors to accelerate project execution, maintain timelines and improve coordination. He urged adoption of improved construction technologies and engineering practices to enhance durability and long-term performance. The ministry said Gadkari emphasised improved riding quality, seamless connectivity, regular inspections and clear accountability in maintenance operations. He also instructed agencies to strengthen advance monsoon preparedness measures for highway infrastructure and to integrate inspection regimes with maintenance contracts. Officials were told to prioritise durable materials and workmanship to reduce future lifecycle costs. Follow up reviews were scheduled to monitor implementation and results.