NHAI to start tree plantation drive along ECR between Mamallapuram and Marakkanam

Work on the widening of the East Coast Road (ECR) section between Mamallapuram and Marakkanam is expected to be completed by March 2027. About 75% of the 62 km four-lane project at a cost of around ₹3,000 crore has been constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

When completed, the road will have a total of eight lanes with two service lanes on either side, which would ideally be used by local traffic. The work is carried out in two sections.

Meanwhile, NHAI on Tuesday launched sapling efforts as part of the special 6.0 campaign under Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)-2026. A team led by Pankaj Asati, Regional Officer, Chennai planted saplings near Mamallapuram along with students from Guru Shree Shantivijai Jain Arts and Science College.

The Forest Service will plant 4,000 saplings, in addition to those planned to replace the 7,500 trees removed to make way for the road. The report said more than ₹5.3 crore was saved for planting 7,50,000 saplings.

Published – 13 Oct 2026 22:39 IST