Police data has revealed a grim annual toll on a critical highway stretch in Tamil Nadu, prompting urgent plans for a massive infrastructure overhaul. The 27-kilometer section of the Salem-Kochi National Highway between Neelambur and Madukkarai witnesses approximately 100 fatal accidents every year, highlighting a severe safety crisis.
The Bottleneck of Death: Understanding the Problem Stretch
This hazardous segment, formerly known as the L&T Bypass, acts as a dangerous choke point. While the highway expands to six lanes both before Neelambur and after Madukkarai, this crucial middle section remains a constricted two-lane road. It carries a heavy volume of traffic, including thousands of vehicles moving between Kerala and major destinations like Chennai and Bengaluru. The road lacks essential safety features such as service roads and underpasses, has poor visibility, and is dotted with several risky intersections, creating a perfect storm for accidents.
A ₹1800 Crore Lifeline: NHAI's Detailed Expansion Plan
There is now a significant hope for change. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) to transform this deadly corridor. The proposed expansion, estimated to cost a substantial ₹1,800 crore, has been forwarded to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for final approval.
An NHAI official explained that the plan involves widening the existing two-lane road into a six-lane highway with service roads on both sides. Importantly, the required land for this expansion was reportedly acquired during the initial construction of the current road. The official outlined key safety interventions: underpasses at 13 locations to safely segregate pedestrian and vehicle crossings, which is expected to drastically reduce accidents.
Flyovers and Bridge Upgrades
The project also includes the construction of two major flyovers—one at the busy Trichy Road junction and another at the Pollachi Road junction. Furthermore, the two existing railway overbridges near Irugur and Chettipalayam will be widened to six lanes. A dedicated ‘U’-turn facility will be incorporated here for motorists using the service road, improving traffic flow and reducing risky maneuvers.
Expert Calls for a Complete Access-Controlled Corridor
While the NHAI plan is a welcome step, local experts advocate for even stricter measures. J Sathish, a core committee member of the civic group Coimbatore NXT, argues that the stretch should have no intersections at all to minimize accidents and travel time. He also pointed to a proposed new entry to the Coimbatore International Airport along this stretch, suggesting that authorities should plan for a flyover at that specific location to maintain seamless traffic movement.
The proposed mega-project represents a critical intervention for regional connectivity and safety. If approved and implemented, it could end the reign of this highway as one of the most dangerous in the region, saving countless lives and boosting economic efficiency.
