Trichy District Administration Initiates Land Acquisition for Long-Delayed NH Service Road
After enduring persistent pressure from local residents, the Trichy district administration has finally commenced preliminary work to acquire land and award compensation for constructing service roads along the Trichy-Thanjavur national highway. This move aims to resolve a demand that has been pending for an astonishing 14 years, marking a significant step forward in addressing critical infrastructure needs in the region.
Progress in Initial Phase of Acquisition
Out of the nine revenue villages located along the 14.5-kilometer stretch from Palpannai to Thuvakudi, the revenue department has successfully completed and officially notified land acquisition and compensation details for two villages: Tharanallur and Varaganeri. In Tharanallur, approximately 399.3 square meters of land are slated for acquisition, while Varaganeri will see around 817.9 square meters acquired.
A total compensation of Rs 8.5 crore has been allocated for property owners, including 12 patta land holders, in these two villages. A senior revenue official expressed confidence, stating, "We are confident of completing land acquisition in two villages in the first phase before the assembly election. In other areas, compensation for structures besides land to be acquired is being estimated."
Ongoing Efforts in Remaining Villages
The acquisition process is actively progressing in seven other villages along the highway stretch. These include:
- Thuvakudi
- Koothaippar
- Thiruverumbur
- Agaram
- Ariyamangalam
- Ellakudi
- Pappakurichi Kattur
However, local residents have raised serious concerns regarding the state government's decision to reduce the proposed road width to 33 meters. This contradicts the Madras High Court's directive from October 2019, which mandated a minimum width of 45 meters for the service roads.
Historical Context and Changing Requirements
Over the years, the land acquisition needs for these service roads have undergone a dramatic transformation. In 2011, initial estimates projected a requirement of 35.5 hectares of land to accommodate 60-meter-wide service roads, with an associated land acquisition cost evaluated at Rs 84.5 crore.
By 2023, these requirements have been significantly revised. The current land requirement stands at 15.7 hectares, but the estimated acquisition cost has skyrocketed to approximately Rs 533 crore. This substantial increase in cost per unit of land highlights the drastic commercialization of the highway corridor, driven by the proliferation of new commercial complexes and heightened land values.
S. Sakthivel, chief organiser of the Federation for Retrieval of Trichy Palpannai-Thuvakudi Service Road, emphasized the community's stance: "Only less than 5% of land is required in two villages where the acquisition is completed. In 2011, land requirement was estimated at 35.5 hectares for 60m-wide service roads, and land acquisition cost was evaluated at 84.5 crore. We want service roads minimum for 45m width."
The initiation of this land acquisition process, after more than a decade of delays, represents a critical development for improving transportation infrastructure and safety along this vital national highway corridor. Residents and authorities alike await further progress as the administration works to balance legal directives, fiscal constraints, and public demand for adequate service roads.
