Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates ₹2,000 Crore Highway Projects and Elevated Corridor in Puducherry

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, visited Puducherry to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for multiple key infrastructure projects aimed at improving regional connectivity and easing traffic congestion. The visit marks a major milestone in the Union Territory’s ongoing development efforts under the central government’s infrastructure expansion plan.

The highlight of the visit was the inauguration of a ₹436 crore elevated corridor spanning four kilometres, connecting Indira Gandhi Square and Rajiv Gandhi Square in Puducherry. This corridor is expected to significantly decongest city traffic and ensure smoother travel for daily commuters. The elevated road has been designed to improve accessibility between major city points, reducing travel time and improving urban mobility.

During his visit, Gadkari also dedicated to the nation three major National Highway projects collectively valued at over ₹2,000 crore. Among these, the 38-kilometre four-lane Puducherry–Poondiankuppam section of National Highway 32 stands out, developed at a cost of ₹1,588 crore. This stretch will improve connectivity between Puducherry and Cuddalore, benefiting local businesses, industries, and tourists by facilitating faster and safer road transport.

Additionally, the minister launched improvement works on a 14-kilometre stretch of the East Coast Road (ECR) with an investment of ₹25 crore. This project aims to enhance road safety, strengthen the pavement structure, and improve the driving experience for both commercial and passenger vehicles.

Officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways noted that these projects will not only ease existing traffic challenges but also boost trade, tourism, and economic activity in the region. The infrastructure upgrades are part of the central government’s vision to modernize India’s highway network and promote sustainable urban growth.

With these projects, Puducherry is set to experience a transformative phase in road infrastructure, creating new opportunities for economic development and improved quality of life for its residents.