Rs 437cr four-lane flyover, arterial road to ease traffic congestion in Puducherry

PUDUCHERRY: Puducherry lieutenant governor K Kailashnathan on Monday said a four-lane flyover of approximate length of 4km from Indira Gandhi Square to Rajiv Gandhi Square and Marapalam would be constructed to decongest traffic in the tiny tourist town.Unfurling the tricolour during the Republic Day celebrations, the lieutenant governor said a four-lane road stretching 13.5km from Ariyankuppam to Mullodai would be laid, and the roads up to Marapalam would be widened. These projects would be taken up with the financial assistance of Rs 437 crore from the Union govt, he said.The projects will stand together as a crowning achievement in Puducherry town’s road transport infrastructure. The flyover, which connects major highways leading to Chennai, Villupuram and Chidambaram, will not only significantly reduce travel time for the public but also ensure safer commuting. As a result, traffic congestion in Puducherry town is expected to be reduced by 55%, he said. He said Puducherry is steadily emerging as a premier tourism destination. “It is a pride to Puducherry that it ranks next to the city of Toulouse in France as one of the most preferred tourist destinations. In view of this, the govt is actively focusing to strengthen to tourism infrastructure. Accordingly, comprehensive plans have been formulated to improve connectivity with other cities through rail, air, and road networks,” he said.The lieutenant governor said the govt proposes to implement the Thirunallar Temple Town project to develop the Karaikal Thirunallar Lord Dharbaranyeswarar temple as a global tourist destination. “Similarly, to ensure that tourists have long-lasting memories on their visit, art and cultural festivals, along with handicrafts exhibitions, are being regularly organised,” he said.