The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the Rs 2,157 crore Marakkanam–Puducherry four-lane highway project in Tamil Nadu.

Spanning 46 km along NH-332A, the project will be executed under the hybrid annuity mode (HAM) to address congestion on the existing two-lane road connecting Chennai, Puducherry, Viluppuram, and Nagapattinam. The upgraded highway will integrate with NH-32, NH-332, SH-136, and SH-203, ensuring seamless access to key economic, social, and logistics hubs. It will also connect with Puducherry and Chinnababusamudram railway stations, Chennai and Puducherry airports, and Cuddalore minor port, enhancing multi-modal transport efficiency.

The initiative aims to improve safety, decongest traffic, and support the mobility needs of growing towns. The project is expected to boost regional economic growth, tourism, trade, and industrial development while generating around eight lakh person-days of direct and 10 lakh person-days of indirect employment. Upon completion, the highway will serve as a crucial corridor linking major religious and economic centres in Tamil Nadu.