Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 1: In a major boost to infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, the Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the upgradation of the Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram section of National Highway-87 (NH-87) into a four-lane road at a cost of Rs 1,853 cr.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, briefing the media on Cabinet decisions, said the project will be implemented under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) and will cover a stretch of approximately 46.7 km.

Currently, connectivity between key locations such as Madurai, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram, Mandapam, Rameshwaram, and Dhanushkodi relies on the existing two-lane NH-87 and state highways, which face heavy congestion due to high traffic volumes.

The upgradation aims to decongest the corridor, enhance road safety, and cater to the growing mobility needs of rapidly expanding towns like Paramakudi, Sathirakudi, Achundanvayal, and Ramanathapuram.

According to the official release, the project will strengthen regional connectivity, especially between major religious and economic hubs, boost tourism to destinations like Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi, and support trade and industrial development in the region.

The construction is expected to generate around 8.4 lac person-days of direct employment and 10.45 lac person-days of indirect employment, opening new doors for growth and prosperity in the surrounding areas.