+
Surat-Chennai economic corridor runs into green hurdle
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Surat-Chennai economic corridor runs into green hurdle

A key segment of the ambitious Surat-Chennai economic corridor has hit a serious ecological hurdle. The nearly Rs 140 billion project has run into trouble with the Union Environment Ministry's Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for infrastructure projects over its proposed 290 km long greenfield Surat-Nashik-Ahmednagar section, which falls in pristine and untouched areas of the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats.

The EAC has, in a July 21-22 meeting, said that the stakeholder ministry/department should upgrade along the existing National Highway alignment instead of running into 'virgin and ecologically sensitive new parts of Western Ghat areas'.

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are preparing to 'appeal' with the Environment ministry to reconsider its view and allow leeway for the national connectivity project which will ultimately link up Delhi to Chennai through an access-controlled corridor.

The project has been a major political and economic talking point for the infrastructure boost it will bring to the region.

"We will appeal with the EAC. Packages for so many segments linking up to this corridor have already been awarded. This was to be an access-controlled expressway - a key link off the Golden Quadrilateral for national connectivity. We are very mindful of environmental concerns and have always prioritised them and the new alignment will in fact reduce affected area and use modern technology to minimise environmental damage. However, there is no other alternative alignment possible and upgrading the existing one defeats the very purpose of the corridor," a senior official was reported to have said.

See also:
Road sector records maximum number of delayed projects
Breakthrough in the Delhi-Dehradun expressway project


A key segment of the ambitious Surat-Chennai economic corridor has hit a serious ecological hurdle. The nearly Rs 140 billion project has run into trouble with the Union Environment Ministry's Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for infrastructure projects over its proposed 290 km long greenfield Surat-Nashik-Ahmednagar section, which falls in pristine and untouched areas of the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. The EAC has, in a July 21-22 meeting, said that the stakeholder ministry/department should upgrade along the existing National Highway alignment instead of running into 'virgin and ecologically sensitive new parts of Western Ghat areas'. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are preparing to 'appeal' with the Environment ministry to reconsider its view and allow leeway for the national connectivity project which will ultimately link up Delhi to Chennai through an access-controlled corridor. The project has been a major political and economic talking point for the infrastructure boost it will bring to the region. We will appeal with the EAC. Packages for so many segments linking up to this corridor have already been awarded. This was to be an access-controlled expressway - a key link off the Golden Quadrilateral for national connectivity. We are very mindful of environmental concerns and have always prioritised them and the new alignment will in fact reduce affected area and use modern technology to minimise environmental damage. However, there is no other alternative alignment possible and upgrading the existing one defeats the very purpose of the corridor, a senior official was reported to have said. See also: Road sector records maximum number of delayed projectsBreakthrough in the Delhi-Dehradun expressway project

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Revolt Motors Unveils ‘Azadi From Petrol’ Offer

To mark India’s 78th Independence Day, Revolt Motors, the country’s leading electric motorcycle brand, has introduced its special “Azadi From Petrol” offer, encouraging riders to break free from rising fuel costs and embrace smarter, sustainable mobility.Under this limited-period scheme, customers purchasing any Revolt electric motorcycle can enjoy benefits worth up to Rs 20 million. The package includes zero insurance fees, providing free coverage valued at up to Rs 7 million, along with cash savings of up to Rs 13 million.The initiative highlights Revolt’s mission to make electric ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Inox Green Signs 182 MW Wind O&M Deal

Inox Green Energy Services Ltd., one of India’s leading renewable energy operations and maintenance (O&M) providers, has signed an agreement with a major diversified Indian conglomerate for the comprehensive O&M of 182 MW of operational wind projects under its renewable energy division.Located across multiple sites in Western India, these projects are integrated with common infrastructure owned by Inox Green. The deal includes converting 82 MW of wind projects from limited-scope to comprehensive O&M, as well as renewing comprehensive O&M for another 100 MW well ahead of sched..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

MPL Q1 Profit Rises to Rs 144 Million

Manali Petrochemicals Limited (MPL), a leading petrochemical manufacturer and part of AM International, Singapore, has reported its unaudited consolidated financial results for the quarter ended 30 June 2025.The company posted a consolidated total income of Rs 2.43 billion for the quarter, up from Rs 2.38 billion in the preceding quarter ended 31 March 2025. Profit Before Tax (PBT) stood at Rs 200 million, compared to Rs 159 million in the previous quarter, while Profit After Tax (PAT) rose to Rs 144 million from Rs 108 million. For the full year ended 31 March 2025, MPL recorded a total incom..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?