The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has officially finalized plans to complete the long-awaited Trichy Semi-Ring Road project, which aims to connect five national highways running through the city. This significant development comes a decade after civil work initially commenced.

The project entails upgrading a two-lane segment to four lanes, constructing an elevated corridor on the Trichy-Madurai National Highway, and building a flyover to link two phases of the semi-ring road. Construction on these updated plans is anticipated to commence in 2025.

To alleviate traffic congestion in Trichy, the NHAI has integrated three different projects into the semi-ring road plan. This clarity is expected to benefit nearby government initiatives, such as the Trichy Trade Centre.

The NHAI's tender document outlines that the Stage II portion of the road, which currently extends from Thuvakudi (Thanjavur NH) to Panjapur (Madurai NH), will be expanded from two lanes with paved shoulders to four lanes. Safe entry and exit points will be established at intersections with country roads, enhancing the 25.9 km stretch between Thuvakudi, Mathur, and Panjapur.

Additionally, Stage I of the semi-ring road will extend approximately 19.9 kilometers from Panjapur to Jeeyapuram (Karur NH), via Thayanur (Dindigul NH), and will also feature four lanes.

The proposal includes an elevated route on the Trichy-Madurai National Highway at Panjapur, designed to bypass the planned integrated bus station, wholesale vegetable market, and truck terminal. The NHAI has confirmed that the required land for the entire 45.8 km section is already available, though the Detailed Project Report (DPR) will assess if additional land parcels are necessary.

Moreover, a 3 km elevated route on the Trichy-Madurai NH at Panjapur is proposed to circumvent the truck terminal and market areas. A small flyover is also suggested to connect phases I and II of the semi-ring road at their intersection near Panjapur.

To facilitate these developments, the Trichy Corporation has earmarked about 20 acres of land in Panjapur for grade improvements, with plans for two levels of elevated highways. This initiative aims to enable National Highway-bound traffic to bypass the congested bus terminus and market areas, significantly improving traffic flow in the city.