The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) proposes to expand the East Coast Road (ECR) between Nagapattinam and Thoothukudi. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 7,000 crore.
The proposed route of the Nagapattinam-Thoothukudi stretch (NH-32) runs through the coastal districts of Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, and Thoothukudi. The scope of the expansion also includes four-laning of a 332-kilometer section.
According to the Detail Project Report (DPR), the expansion project involves the construction of 47 small vehicular underpasses, 22 large bridges, 45 light vehicular underpasses, 11 major bridges over ponds, and 669 new box culverts. It also includes the upgradation of 49 main bridges and six minor bridges.
No Objection Certificates have been sought from the Coastal Regulatory Zone for five bridges.