Delayed underpass, flyover construction works on two highways cause traffic snarl
Delayed construction of underpasses and flyovers on major highways in Tamil Nadu is causing severe traffic congestion. Residents and commuters are calling for the restriction of oversized cargo transport to late-night hours to alleviate the daily gridlock.
Why it matters
Infrastructure delays impact regional logistics and economic activity, particularly for industries relying on the VOC Port for heavy equipment transport.
The much-delayed construction of underpasses at three locations on Thoothukudi – Madurai four-lane national highway and three flyovers on Thoothukudi – Tirunelveli highway has frequently resulted in severe traffic snarls, especially when lorries carrying oversized cargo get stuck on service roads.
To make things worse, the National Highways Authority of India, which collects toll for the two roads, has turned a blind eye to the badly damaged service roads. As NHAI is constructing underpasses at Madaththur, Eppothumvendraan and Keezha Eeraal on the four-lane national highway, narrow service roads have been provided at all busy spots to ensure continuous flow of vehicles until the underpasses are ready for traffic.
While lorries carrying 40-foot-long containers can cautiously cross the narrow service roads, the 290-foot-long trucks loaded with windmill blades get stuck at the spots and cause traffic jam even though they are piloted by vehicles in the front and back.
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