NHAI Begins Work on Chennai - Trichy Greenfield Expressway; Travel Time to Be Reduced to Three Hours

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has begun work on the proposed 300-km Chennai–Trichy Greenfield Expressway, a landmark infrastructure project that is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between Chennai and Tiruchirappalli. Once completed, the expressway is expected to reduce travel time from the current 5–6 hours to approximately three hours.

The ₹20,000 crore project will be Tamil Nadu`s second national expressway, after the Chennai–Bengaluru Expressway (NE-7). Designed as a six-lane, access-controlled corridor, the expressway will support speeds of up to 120 kmph, enabling faster and safer travel.

Project Highlights

Project: Chennai–Trichy Greenfield Expressway
Length: 300 km
Estimated Cost: ₹20,000 crore
Configuration: Six-lane, access-controlled expressway
Right of Way: 90 metres
Districts Covered: 12
Estimated Travel Time: Around 3 hours
Design Speed: 120 kmph

Chief Minister Urges Early Implementation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay recently urged the Union Government during the NITI Aayog meeting to prioritise the project, highlighting its importance in strengthening connectivity between Chennai and Tiruchirappalli.

According to NHAI Project Director M. S. Chaitanya, preliminary discussions have already been held with various state government departments regarding land acquisition, route alignment, and environmental clearances.

Proposed Route

As per the initial design, the expressway will begin near the Singaperumal Koil interchange on the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road and run along the western side of the existing Chennai–Trichy National Highway. The access-controlled corridor will include entry and exit points across 12 districts, ensuring improved regional connectivity and smoother traffic movement.

Environmental Clearance Remains a Key Challenge

Officials said that obtaining environmental clearance remains one of the project`s biggest challenges, as certain sections of the proposed alignment pass through forest and hillock regions. However, the Tamil Nadu government has assured full support to expedite the approval process.

Authorities expect the necessary statutory clearances and documentation to be completed within a year. The project also includes the construction of a new bridge across the Cauvery River, further strengthening the highway network.

Ongoing Highway Expansion

In parallel, NHAI has already widened the Chennai–Trichy National Highway from Tambaram to Paranur into an eight-lane corridor (excluding four service lanes). Beyond Paranur, the highway will consist of six main carriageway lanes and two service lanes.

Officials said work on the 6868-km stretch beyond Paranur had been delayed due to alignment issues and hillock-related challenges. These issues are now being addressed, and construction is expected to begin shortly.

Once completed, the Chennai–Trichy Greenfield Expressway is expected to become one of Tamil Nadu`s most significant road infrastructure projects, providing faster travel, improved logistics, reduced congestion, and enhanced connectivity across central Tamil Nadu.