NHAI Plans Flyover, Underpasses on NH-44 to Curb Accidents in Madurai Stretch

The National Highways Authority of India has cleared the proposals for a flyover and three vehicular underpasses for accident-prone areas on the Madurai-Kayathar stretch of National Highway 44. The projects would address four black spots identified on the Madurai and Virudhunagar stretches.

According to NHAI officials, a black spot is defined as a place where more than five fatalities have occurred. The major black spots identified are Koothiyarkundu, Kappalur SIDCO, Kuthiraichanikkulam in Madurai, and Pullalakkottai in Virudhunagar. A flyover is planned at Koothiyarkundu, while the remaining three will be built as vehicular underpasses.

This Koothiyarkundu flyover is going to be significant because it connects the industrial hubs of SIDCO and extends up to the southern districts. Officials remarked that with the forthcoming AIIMS to be set here, the project would ease traffic congestion as well as improve road safety improvement.

NHAI is set on completing the flyover before AIIMS goes operational. ”This region is considered one of the busiest stretches in the country; it carries a large volume of traffic from Kerala towards Karnataka through Madurai,” said C. Sathiah, President of Madurai Lorry Driver Association. “For years, transporters and road users have been driving for the up-gradation because the frequency of accidents caused congestion created by speeding.

Local commuters at large were included in the scheme as well. “There are many pedestrian crossings very early in the morning; you could find a few herds of livestock, as well as stray animals, at times making the stretch hazardous for vehicular traffic,” said Vishwanath P., a frequent traveler.

The scheme is really part of the more extensive program thought in NHAI as Zero Fatality Highways to enable the most visible change regarding safety on the highway stretches with the highest risks across Tamil Nadu. The total cost cumulative is ₹117 crore for upgrading four stretches under this scheme. The bidding process for Madurai-Kayathar projects has already been opened and is set to close on September 26.