NHAI Plans Four-Lane Upgrade on Natham–Dindigul Stretch to Ease Madurai Region Traffic

The Natham roadway is on the threshold of a major upgrade: the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is planning the expansion of the 38 km Natham-Dindigul section into a four-lane corridor. This will complete the Madurai-Natham-Dindigul link along with the already widened Madurai-Natham stretch that has an elevated corridor in the city of Madurai.

The route is about 15 km longer than the Madurai-Samayanallur-Dindigul highway presently in use.NHAI officials believe that once open, the expansion would relieve congestion and allow easier travel, making it a much faster, competitive option. Consultancy bids have already been floated to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project.

“In addition to this, NHAI has also invited bids for preparing the DPR of the Outer Ring Road Phase 2, connecting Tamaraipatti and T Pudupatti. Together, these projects will significantly improve road infrastructure in the Madurai region,” a senior official confirmed.

Traffic activists have welcomed the move. T. Nageshwaran, a road safety activist, noted that the Madurai–Natham section is already among the fastest routes to Dindigul. “If the Natham–Dindigul stretch is also converted into four lanes, it will become the most efficient route. At the same time, the state highways department is developing an alternate Madurai–Samayanallur–Dindigul corridor. Once both projects are done, commuters will have two strong options between the two cities,” he said.

However, Nageshwaran also raised environmental concerns. “We lost a large number of trees when the Madurai–Natham section was expanded. The Natham–Dindigul stretch, too, has dense tree cover. Authorities must ensure tree loss is compensated with proper replantation,” he cautioned.

Infrastructure experts see broader benefits. Balamurugan, president of Madurai Infrastructure Development Group, said the proposed upgrade could boost regional connectivity and attract industries. “If NHAI extends four-laning up to Kottampatti, people in Madurai North will get easier access to the Bengaluru highway. Combined with the upcoming Sipcot industrial park at Melur, this dual access will make the area more appealing to investors,” he said.

With multiple highway and ring road projects in the pipeline, NHAI’s plans could reshape connectivity across the Madurai–Dindigul belt, balancing faster travel with industrial growth and sustainability challenges.