DPR for NH-744 Kadambattukonam-Edamon stretch submitted to NHAI

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The project plan for this segment includes the construction of four tunnels that include three large tunnels and one small tunnel.  (Representational image) | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the ₹27,000 crore infrastructure initiative to develop the National Highway (NH) 744 Greenfield Highway encompassing the Kadambattukonam–Edamon stretch is currently under the consideration of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), N.K. Premachandran, MP, has said after a high-level discussions in New Delhi with NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav.

The total length of the NH 744 connecting Kadambattukonam to Madurai spans 201 km. Construction on the 71-km Madurai–Rajapalayam section has already been completed. The remaining stretches yet to be finished include the Rajapalayam–Tenkasi section (68 km), the Tenkasi–Edamon section (23 km), and the Edamon–Kadambattukonam section (39 km). The DPR has been finalized and submitted specifically for the execution of these remaining phases.

“A significant portion of the construction for the Tenkasi–Edamon section passes through the forested mountain ranges of the Western Ghats, which form part of a wildlife sanctuary. Consequently, special clearance from the Supreme Court is mandatory for this stretch, and a petition seeking this approval has already been filed and is currently under review. Steps have also been initiated to secure the requisite clearance from the State Wildlife Board,” said the MP.

The project plan for this segment includes the construction of four tunnels that include three large tunnels and one small tunnel. Once Supreme Court approval is secured, the proposal will be reviewed by the Public Private Partnership (PPP) appraisal committee, headed by the Expenditure Secretary and comprising five Union government Secretaries as members. Following the committee’s clearance, the project will be submitted for Union Cabinet approval.

“NHAI officials assured during the discussions that once Union Cabinet approval is granted, steps to disburse compensation to landowners will be expedited, alongside proceedings for acquiring the remaining land. The officials have been requested to fast-track all administrative procedures to ensure timely compensation for landowners, so that land acquisition and construction work can commence as quickly as possible,” he said.

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