Getting in Pondicherry

By Road

The transport network, both within and connecting the Union Territory, is critical for industrial growth. Pondicherry is well-connected by national and state hightways, especially after the completion of the East Coast Road which makes it easily accessible from Chennai and smaller towns such as Cuddalore and Chidambaram. The quality of roads, however, barring the East Coast Road is not very good. While the deterioration is perhaps largely due to the increase in vehicular traffic, efforts will have to be made to maintain these roads in good condition.

The condition of roads is of concern within the Union Territory itself. Traffic congestion has become so bad, within Pondicherry town especially, that the roads have taken a real battering. Quality control is paramount and this will depend to a great extent on regulation of traffic movement.

By Rail

The rail network in Pondichery is in the process of being upgraded. At present, Pondicherry is connected only by metre gauge but the broad gauge line is soon to be started. Plans are also in the offing to connect Yanam with Kakinada and Karaikal with Nagapattinam.

The advantage of having a good rail connection to Pondicherry is that it makes it possible for industries to use this link for transporting their goods to and from Pondicherry. As Chennai is now well connected with the East Coast Road, the rail link will be more useful within the Union Territory and between Pondicherry and smaller towns which are not connected by good quality roads.

By Airport

Pondicherry has a medium-sized airport, but it is not operational. Though the viability of an airport at Pondicherry depends largely on the economics of it, a more active effort should be made to pursue the possibility. The closure of the airport was largely due to the fact that no serious background work was done vis-a-vis possible demand. From the perspective of industrial growth, a well-functioning airport could encourage entrepreneurs to invest in Pondicherry. At present, industrialists have to fly into Chennai and then travel by road to Pondicherry, a possible disincentive to many.