Final Leg of Vikravandi–Thanjavur Highway to Begin in July After ₹2,000-Cr Contract Award

After years of delays, construction on the third and final leg of the four-lane Vikravandi–Thanjavur National Highway is finally set to begin in July. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded a fresh contract for the 66-km stretch between Sethiyathope and Vikravandi, marking a major milestone in a project that has faced multiple setbacks since its inception.

The ₹2,000-crore package includes the development of two new bypasses at Vadalur and Panruti, covering a total of 18 km. Land acquisition has already been completed, and work is expected to wrap up within two years.

This comes just as the NHAI has completed the second segment between Cholapuram and Sethiyathope. Though already in use, this 50-km stretch — built at an estimated cost of ₹2,357 crore — will be officially commissioned with toll collection starting June 12 at the Manambadi Toll Plaza. The section features four major bridges and a new bridge across the Kollidam River at Anaikkarai.

The first package, covering the Thanjavur–Cholapuram segment, was opened to traffic earlier in January. The project as a whole was originally scheduled for completion in September 2020 but was held up because of Cyclone Gaja, the COVID-19 pandemic, and land acquisition issues. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkar inspected the work in September 2024.

When finished, the highway should reduce travel time between Chennai and Thanjavur by a great deal while also decongesting the Chennai–Tiruchi–Madurai corridor. It will improve connectivity to the southern districts of Karaikudi, Ramanathapuram, and Rameswaram through NH-36.

Welcoming the development, V. Sathiyanarayanan, Secretary of All Traders Associations of Kumbakonam, said, “We’re happy the fresh contract has been awarded. We urge NHAI to monitor the execution closely and complete it on time to benefit the central districts.”