Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna has confirmed the execution of the proposed road along the Uyyakondan river banks, promising a vital alternative to the congested Vayalur Road for Tiruchi residents.

  • PWD Minister Aadhav Arjuna confirmed the execution of the Uyyakondan river bank road project.
  • The project aims to decongest Vayalur Road by providing a strategic alternative route.
  • The estimated project cost is ₹186 crore, including ₹65 crore for land acquisition.

Residents of Tiruchirapalli have received a significant boost in hopes of easing their daily commute. Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna, during a session in the State Assembly, assured the execution of the long-pending road project along the banks of the Uyyakondan river. This announcement comes as a direct response to a query raised by Tiruchi West MLA K.N. Nehru.

For years, the narrow Vayalur Road has been a bottleneck for thousands of commuters, turning daily travel into a harrowing experience due to extreme traffic congestion. The proposed new road, stretching between the MGR Statue Junction and Sunnambukaranpatti, is designed to divert heavy traffic away from these saturated arteries.

Historical Background & Project Scope

The concept for this road was conceived during the previous administration as a strategic alternative to the Tiruchi-Kuzhumani-Jeeyapuram Road (MDR-461) and the Allithurai-Thogamalai Road (MDR-12). While the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was initially drafted by the Highways Department, the responsibility was later shifted to the Water Resources Department (WRD), as the road will be constructed along the river bunds under their jurisdiction.

The technical specifications include a two-lane road with a width of 7.5 metres. A key highlight of the project is the planned elevated structure across the Puthur Weir and aqueduct—the confluence of the Uyyakondan, Koraiyar, and Kudamuritti rivers. Furthermore, a high-level rotary will connect this route to the inner link road being developed by the Tiruchi Corporation and the semi-ring road managed by the NHAI.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this project is critical for the overall urban mobility of Tiruchi. By integrating the city's inner link roads with national highways via the semi-ring road, the project will create a seamless transit corridor. However, the success of the project hinges on the inclusion of service lanes. Local residents, including N. Rajendran, have warned that without dedicated service lanes for residential colonies, the new road will quickly succumb to the same congestion currently plaguing Vayalur Road.

Infrastructure projects along riverbeds require a delicate balance between rapid urban expansion and ecological preservation to ensure long-term sustainability.

The project involves the acquisition of approximately 40,000 square metres of land, with a budget allocation of ₹65 crore specifically for this purpose. Social activist V. Sundararaju emphasized that the execution must be expedited to prevent the traffic situation from deteriorating further.

Did You Know?: The Puthur Weir is a unique geographical point where three rivers—the Uyyakondan, Koraiyar, and Kudamuritti—converge, making it a vital hydrological hub for the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the total estimated cost of the Uyyakondan road project?
A: The total cost is estimated at ₹186 crore, which includes expenses for land acquisition.

Q2: Which departments are involved in the execution of this project?
A: While initially planned by the Highways Department, the project is now being executed by the Water Resources Department (WRD) due to its location on river bunds.