Widening of the National Highways (NH 47) stretch from Chengapalli to Walayar is likely to be completed by next July.
An official of the NHAI said that the project details were discussed at a recent meeting of the NHAI in Chennai.
The contractor requires Rs. 250 crore to Rs. 300 crore to complete the widening works.
The NHAI will have to complete land acquisition on the stretch from Madukkarai to Walayar. This will be expedited and the contractor is expected to complete the four-lane work from Madukkarai to Walayar by July next and the six-lane work from Chengapalli to Neelambur by next April.
The project is to widen 54 km at a total cost of about Rs. 850 crore. The construction period was proposed to be 30 months and works were scheduled to be completed by March 7 this year and it was revised to December 12, 2013.
The project included construction of three bypasses (Perumanallur, Avanashi and KG Chavadi), flyovers, culverts, bus shelters, truck bays, and culverts.
Over 60 per cent of the works are over. However, most of it is on six-lane from Chengapalli to Neelambur.
With delays in the widening works, especially on the Madukkarai – Walayar stretch, the public have staged protests and sought efforts to expedite it.
The official said that the contractor will have to mobilise the required funds so that the works can be completed soon.
With regard to strengthening of the road between Pykara and Kakannallah, the official said patch works will be taken up immediately and the main works will be taken up soon.
