Namakkal farmers oppose the proposed Sankari-Vellakoil NH project - The HinduUpdated - November 02, 2026 07:52 pm IST - NamakkalThe farmers in Namakkal have opposed upgrading the two-lane highway at Padaiveedu to a four-lane road under the proposed Sankari–Vellakoil NH 381A project. | Photo Credit: LAKSHMI NARAYANAN EFarmers in Namakkal district have opposed the proposed Sankari-Vellakoil national highway project 381A and want it implemented on alternate routes.The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed a 70-km inter-corridor highway connecting NH 81 in Tiruppur district to NH 544 near Sankari in Salem district. The project cost is estimated at ₹ 2,000 crore and the four-way lane is expected to pass through about 19 km in Namakkal district. Farmers have raised opposition, stating that the project would severely affect farmlands, schools, spinning mills, and houses.P. Perumal, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam, said the project starts at Padaiveedu town panchayat in Namakkal district and passes through Sowdapuram, Patharai, Pallipalayam Agraharam, Elanthakuttai, Kadachanallur, and Pappampalayam panchayats before entering Erode district. The project envisions laying 150-ft road for 19 km in Namakkal district. This would affect around 200 acres of farmland, schools at Padaiveedu, Uppupalayam, spinning mills, and over 100 houses. Likewise, 18 village roads will have to be destroyed for the project.Two weeks ago, farmers from seven villages submitted a petition against the project at the divisional-level farmers’ grievances meet at the Pallipalayam panchayat union office. Now, farmers from Erode and Tiruppur districts are also in talks to organise protests jointly against the proposed project, Mr. Perumal added.Stating that the project would be mostly beneficial for industries and corporates, Mr. Perumal said the proposed road would facilitate easy movement of containers to Thoothukudi through Dharapuram and Madurai. Similarly, containers could reach the industries in Tirupur. He alleged that the project would benefit only industries and not general public. He urged the the NHAI to reconsider this project and implement it in an alternate way by reaching Kokkarayanpettai through Tiruchengode bypass from Sankari, Mr. Perumal added.Published - November 02, 2026 07:22 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }