Trichy: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has approved a budget of ₹3.6 crore to install additional streetlights on poorly lit sections of the accident-prone Trichy-Thanjavur National Highway within city limits. The decision comes after persistent complaints about inadequate lighting on this corridor, which serves major institutions such as NIT Trichy and BHEL.
MP Reviews NHAI Projects
On Thursday, Trichy MP Durai Vaiko shared updates on pending NHAI projects in the district. He confirmed that NHAI has floated a tender for the streetlight project. The MP emphasized that NHAI has been directed to conduct field inspections to identify stretches requiring extra lighting to enhance road safety.
Elevated Road at Panjapur
Durai Vaiko also announced that construction of the proposed 3-kilometer elevated road at Panjapur on the Trichy-Madurai National Highway is expected to begin by March 2027. The detailed project report (DPR) is in its final stage. This elevated corridor aims to bypass the accident-prone Trichy semi-ring road junction and the upcoming integrated vegetable market at Panjapur, thereby easing traffic congestion.
Other Pending Projects
Following a review meeting with senior NHAI officials from the Madurai region and the Trichy Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Durai Vaiko urged the authority to expedite several key projects. These include the elevated rotary at G Corner and vehicular underpasses on the Trichy-Chennai National Highway at Sanjeevi Nagar, Kollidam Y-junction, and Maruti Nagar. He also requested the construction of a bus bay at Mannarpuram junction.
Regarding delays, the MP noted that NHAI officials cited issues in shifting utility lines in project areas. He assured coordination with concerned departments to resolve these issues and speed up the works.
Trichy-Karur Highway and Railway Overbridge
Referring to narrow stretches on the Trichy-Karur National Highway, Durai Vaiko said NHAI has been asked to utilize available acquired land to address traffic bottlenecks and commuter grievances. He also reiterated the demand for a road overbridge at the Karuveppilan railway level crossing on the outskirts of Pudukottai city during discussions with NHAI officials.
