Deadly stretch
Some 100 fatal accidents have occurred annually on the 27km Neelambur-Madukkarai stretch of the Salem-Kochi National Highway, a two-lane bottleneck between wider six-lane roads, with poor visibility, multiple intersections, and heavy traffic from Kerala to Chennai and Bengaluru.
Traffic bottleneck
The 27km section has only two lanes, while the adjoining stretches up to Neelambur and after Madukkarai have six lanes, causing severe congestion. Thousands of vehicles pass daily, increasing risk of accidents and delays for long-distance commuters and freight traffic.
NHAI expansion plan
The National Highways Authority of India has prepared a detailed project report to expand the 27km stretch to six lanes at an estimated cost of ₹1,800 crore. The DPR has been submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for approval.
Service roads and underpasses
According to NHAI, the widened road will include service roads on both sides and underpasses at 13 pedestrian crossing points, aiming to significantly reduce accidents and improve traffic flow along the busy stretch.
Flyovers and overbridges
Two new flyovers will be constructed at the Trichy Road and Pollachi Road junctions. Existing railway overbridges near Irugur and Chettipalayam will be expanded to six lanes, with U-turns provided for motorists on the service roads.
Future impact
Once implemented, the six-lane expansion with service roads, underpasses, and flyovers is expected to improve road safety, reduce accidents, and ease congestion, benefiting commuters, long-distance travelers, and freight movement along this critical national highway.
Safety recommendations
J Sathish of Coimbatore NXT suggested eliminating intersections along the 27km stretch to reduce accidents and travel time. He also recommended constructing a flyover at the proposed new entry to Coimbatore International Airport for safer traffic management.
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