The National Highways Authority of India plans to build a 7 km bypass on National Highway 81 near the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple to ease traffic congestion around the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The proposed bypass will create an alternative route for heavy vehicles, helping reduce air pollution and minimise potential structural impacts on the temple caused by vibrations from heavy traffic.
The new road will separate from the Tiruchy–Chidambaram NH-81 after Ponneri Lake, pass north of the temple complex, and reconnect near Meensurutti, effectively bypassing the temple area and the core village.
The project includes 3.4 km of service roads, two minor bridges, two vehicular underpasses, three light vehicular underpasses (LVUPs), and eight box culverts. The road is expected to be completed within a year.
