Archive · 3 Jun 2025
NHAI Plans Bypass to Protect Temple from Highway Traffic
The Indian government plans to build a new road around the Brihadeeswarar Temple to protect it.
The current highway is too close, and heavy vehicles' vibrations and emissions could damage the temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The new road, called a bypass, will be 7.2 kilometers long.
The project will cost around 103.62 crore rupees and should take 18 months to finish.
A local trust and the Union Finance Minister helped get the project approved after concerns were raised about the temple's safety.
The bypass is expected to start once the land is available.
NHAI will build a bypass around the Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple in Gangaikondacholapuram.
The bypass aims to protect the temple from damage caused by highway traffic.
The project will cost approximately ₹103.62 crore and is 7.2 km long.
Construction is expected to take 18 months and be maintained for five years.
The bypass was initiated following concerns raised by heritage enthusiasts and local authorities.
- Who
- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is building the bypass.
- What
- NHAI is constructing a 7.2-km-long bypass to divert traffic away from the temple.
- When
- Construction is expected to begin after land acquisition and be completed in 18 months.
- Where
- Around the Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple in Gangaikondacholapuram, on the Tiruchi-Chidambaram National Highway (NH 81).
- Why
- To protect the Brihadeeswarar Temple from damage caused by traffic vibrations and emissions.
- Location
- Gangaikondacholapuram
- Monument
- Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple
- Bypass Length
- 7.2 km
- Estimated Cost
- ₹103.62 crore
- Construction Time
- 18 months
- Highway
- NH 81