Delayed ₹2,476.6 crore ECR four-laning project to be completed by August 31, says Gadkari

The long-delayed four-laning project on the East Coast Road (ECR) connecting Mahabalipuram and Marakkanam is finally moving towards completion, offering much-needed relief to thousands of daily commuters and tourists using the stretch.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways  has stated that the ₹2,476.6 crore infrastructure project has achieved around 60% progress and is now targeted for completion by August 31 this year.

The project covers a 62-km stretch of the East Coast Road, one of Tamil Nadu’s most important coastal highway corridors, linking key destinations such as Mahabalipuram, Mugaiyur and Marakkanam. Once completed, the upgraded four-lane highway is expected to significantly improve travel time, road safety and freight movement along the busy corridor.

The project has, however, witnessed considerable delays for nearly four years. Originally awarded in May 2022 with a completion deadline of May 2024, the work was slowed down due to multiple factors including land acquisition hurdles, resource mobilisation issues, delay in procurement of borrow earth and changes in project scope.

According to official details, the 31-km Mahabalipuram to Mugaiyur section, estimated at ₹1,360.5 crore, has achieved nearly 63.7% completion. The Mugaiyur to Marakkanam stretch, costing ₹1,116.1 crore, has recorded over 56.6% progress.

Officials have also pointed out that coastal land stabilisation challenges and material procurement issues contributed to the slow pace of work. Additional service roads are being developed in vulnerable sections to improve connectivity and road durability.

The completion of this ECR widening project is expected to boost tourism, logistics and real estate activity along the Chennai–Puducherry coastal belt, while also easing congestion for regular motorists.