The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has issued a tender for improving the alignment of the Thoppur ghat portion of the Salem-Dharmapuri-Bengaluru National Highway in the state of Tamil Nadu in the country.

The project is projected to carry a value of Rs7.75bn, reported the Times of India.

An official in the transport department told the publication that the elevated motorway, spanning 6.6km, will enhance safety protocols and aid in preventing accidents.

The deadline for tender submission is 30 January 2024, with the NHAI anticipated to begin accepting technical bid submissions on 31 January.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president and Rajya Sabha member Anbumani Ramadoss was quoted as saying: “Based on my direction, three PMK MLAs - R Arul (Salem west), S Sadhasivam (Mettur) and S P Venkateswaran (Dharmapuri) - had met the Union minister on 20 June this year and urged him to give his nod for improving the alignment of the ghat section at Thoppur.”

He further explained: “The importance of laying a six-lane road on Thoppur ghat section to Gadkari to prevent fatal accidents and save lives. For motorists, the Thoppur ghat section is a deathtrap. More than 260 people have lost their lives in this ghat section over a decade.”

This financial year, the NHAI intends to exceed its Rs100bn objective by auctioning finished motorway projects.

Last week, it launched bids for two additional bundles, projected to generate Rs93.84bn.