Centre Approves Four-Lane Upgrade of Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram Highway in Tamil Nadu.

The Union Cabinet has approved the four-laning of the 46.7 km Paramakudi-Ramanathapuram stretch of NH-87 in Tamil Nadu under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), with a capital outlay of ₹1,853 crore. This upgrade aims to ease traffic congestion on the current two-lane road, improve safety, and support growing mobility needs in key towns like Paramakudi, Sathirakudi, and Ramanathapuram. The corridor will intersect with five national highways and three state highways, enhancing connectivity to major economic hubs, ports (Pamban and Rameshwaram), railway stations (Madurai, Rameshwaram), and Madurai airport. The project is expected to generate 8.4 lakh person-days of direct employment and 10.45 lakh person-days of indirect jobs. Upon completion, the highway will significantly boost trade, tourism, and regional development by improving access to industrial and religious destinations such as Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi, supporting Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure and economic growth agenda.