Land Acquisition Underway for 4-Way Bypass Connecting Virattipattu and Nagamalai Pudukottai

Following the completion of the Kochadai grade separator, which has improved traffic flow from Kochadai to Virattipattu via HMS Colony, the State Highways department's National Highways (NH) wing has begun the land acquisition process for a new four-way bypass road connecting Virattipattu and Nagamalai Pudukottai.

The 3.53-kilometre greenfield bypass, estimated to cost Rs. 260 crore, will start a few metres from the grade separator's endpoint. It is designed to offer an alternative route to the Kochi-Bodi National Highway, bypassing the Kanyakumari-Bengaluru Highway, reducing congestion and enhancing safety.

A senior NH official highlighted that the current narrow two-way road, running through residential areas of Virattipattu and Achampattu, has become a hotspot for minor accidents due to rising traffic. The new four-way bypass is expected to alleviate these safety concerns while facilitating the transportation of goods, especially agricultural products from Theni.

Initially proposed in 2016-17, the project faced delays due to complex land acquisition issues and high costs. Of the total Rs. 260 crore budget, approximately Rs. 96 crore is earmarked for acquiring about 10 acres of land. The district administration has expedited the acquisition process, forming a special team from the revenue and NH departments to ensure timely completion, with a target date of December 2025.

While the project has garnered support for its potential to ease traffic and improve transportation, it has also raised environmental concerns. Residents of Achampattu and Virattipattu are particularly worried about the road's impact on the Kiruthumal and Madakulam channels, which are already heavily polluted. P. Balasubramaniam, a resident of Achampattu, expressed concern about the disruption during construction, urging authorities to ensure the channels' natural flow isn't permanently obstructed.

In response to these concerns, NH officials confirmed that the project includes three minor bridges designed to cross over the channels without impeding their flow. The plans also involve a small flyover with an underpass to navigate the Bengaluru-Kanyakumari Highway near Nagamalai Pudukottai.

Concerns about potential loss of vegetation, including coconut farms and agricultural land, were also raised. However, some residents argue that the project could provide economic opportunities for farmers who are finding agriculture increasingly difficult due to water scarcity in the region. Traffic activist M. Raj Kumar noted that many farmers are willing to sell their land because of the drying up of the Kiruthumal channel over the past two decades, making agriculture less viable.

ET