NHAI Starts Repair Work on Tiruchi-Thanjavur Highway, Plans Underpass at Golden Rock

National Highways Authority of India has started periodic renewal and strengthening work on the Tiruchi-Thanjavur National Highway. Launched to counter the widespread damage caused by the monsoon rains, the work is expected to be completed in four to five months, according to NHAI sources.

In parallel, the NHAI and Tiruchi Divisional Railway authorities are gearing up for a joint inspection of the G. Corner intersection on the Chennai-Tiruchi Bypass near Golden Rock later this week. This move comes in response to a two-decade-long demand for an underpass at the location, which would improve access to Golden Rock and neighboring residential areas.

Currently, a narrow, two-way service lane from TVS Tollgate Junction provides limited access to Golden Rock. However, the lane is considered unsafe, particularly near G. Corner and the TVS Tollgate Junction, raising concerns among residents. The alternative route requires a detour via Ariyamangalam for a U-turn, further inconveniencing daily commuters.

Golden Rock is a critical area housing the Central Railway Workshop, Tiruchi division’s railway headquarters hospital, and several schools. The road also serves residents from colonies like Melakalkandarkottai and Ponmalaipatti. The issue of constructing an underpass has been pending since the Chennai-Tiruchi-Madurai National Highway was widened into a four-lane road. At the time, the railways declined to provide land at the junction, leaving the bypass without an underpass. Efforts to resolve the issue in 2012 ended in a stalemate.

Tiruchi MP Durai Vaiko has revived discussions on this matter, prompting this week’s preliminary inspection by NHAI and railway officials. Following the inspection, a team of road safety experts will study the situation and propose viable solutions.

The ongoing highway repairs and the renewed push for an underpass aim to enhance road safety and connectivity for the region’s residents and commuters.