Puducherry Unveils Major Road Infrastructure Projects with ₹437 Crore Central Assistance
In a significant development aimed at transforming Puducherry's urban landscape and tourism appeal, Lieutenant Governor K Kailashnathan announced ambitious road infrastructure projects during the Republic Day celebrations on Monday. The initiatives, backed by substantial financial support from the Union government, are designed to address chronic traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in the popular tourist town.
Key Infrastructure Projects to Revolutionize Puducherry's Transport Network
The centerpiece of the announcement is the construction of a four-lane flyover spanning approximately 4 kilometers. This elevated corridor will connect Indira Gandhi Square to Rajiv Gandhi Square and extend to Marapalam, strategically positioned to alleviate traffic bottlenecks in the heart of Puducherry. Simultaneously, the administration plans to lay a new four-lane road stretching 13.5 kilometers from Ariyankuppam to Mullodai, with additional widening of roads up to Marapalam.
These transformative projects will be executed with a financial allocation of ₹437 crore from the Union government, underscoring the central administration's commitment to Puducherry's development. Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan emphasized that these infrastructure enhancements represent a crowning achievement for the town's road transport system, promising to deliver substantial benefits to residents and visitors alike.
Expected Benefits: Reduced Travel Time and Enhanced Safety
The newly proposed flyover is poised to serve as a critical link between major highways leading to Chennai, Villupuram, and Chidambaram. This connectivity upgrade is projected to yield multiple advantages:
- Significant reduction in travel time for commuters navigating through Puducherry.
- Improved safety standards for daily commuting, minimizing accident risks.
- Substantial decrease in traffic congestion, with estimates suggesting a remarkable 55% reduction in town traffic.
By streamlining vehicular movement and reducing gridlock, these projects aim to create a more efficient and pleasant urban environment, directly supporting Puducherry's growing stature as a tourism hub.
Puducherry's Tourism Ascent and Infrastructure Development Focus
Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan highlighted Puducherry's emerging prominence as a premier tourism destination, noting its prestigious ranking next to Toulouse, France, as one of the most preferred tourist spots globally. This recognition has catalyzed a focused governmental effort to strengthen tourism infrastructure across the union territory.
"In view of this, the government is actively focusing on strengthening tourism infrastructure. Accordingly, comprehensive plans have been formulated to improve connectivity with other cities through rail, air, and road networks," he stated.
Beyond road projects, the administration is implementing the Thirunallar Temple Town initiative to develop the Karaikal Thirunallar Lord Dharbaranyeswarar temple into a global tourist attraction. To enrich visitor experiences, regular art and cultural festivals alongside handicrafts exhibitions are being organized, ensuring tourists carry long-lasting memories from their Puducherry visits.
These coordinated efforts reflect a holistic approach to urban planning and tourism promotion, positioning Puducherry for sustainable growth and enhanced livability in the years ahead.
