NHAI awards 7 km Gangaikonda Cholapuram bypass in Tamil Nadu to protect heritage corridor

Direct fact

In March 2026, NHAI issued a Letter of Award for a 7 km greenfield bypass to Gangaikonda Cholapuram on the Kallagam–Meensurutti section of NH-81 in Tamil Nadu, after the foundation stone was laid on 11 March 2026.

Key specifics

• The bypass length is 7 km on NH-81 in Tamil Nadu.
• The project covers the Kallagam to Meensurutti section.
• The foundation stone was laid by the Prime Minister on 11 March 2026.
• The design includes 3.47 km of service/slip roads, 2 minor bridges, 2 VUPs and 3 LVUPs.
• The route protects the 1,000-year-old Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Monument.

Exam lens

Question type: Tamil Nadu infrastructure and heritage protection; note NH-81, 7 km bypass, 11 March 2026, and the UNESCO-linked Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. TNPSC may ask why the bypass was planned near the temple corridor.