Trichy: Even as road safety activists pursue legal means to widen the Trichy-Karur National Highway (NH), one of the top 100 accident-prone highways in the state, Southern Railway (Salem division) is constructing a new fence between the railway tracks and the highway, just a few feet from the carriageway. Fearing safety risks, commuters have sought suspension of work on the new fence.
Narrow and Dangerous Stretch
The Trichy-Karur NH, sandwiched between railway tracks and the Cauvery river, is a narrow two-lane road that has recorded at least 40 fatal accidents per year. A 2-km stretch of the highway running parallel to the Trichy-Karur railway tracks between Murungapettai and Palur is particularly dangerous, as vehicles commuting towards Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Karur districts often overspeed. This stretch is under the control of the state highways department.
Concerns Over New Fence
In addition to the existing iron fence, the Salem rail division has begun work on a new fence to prevent cattle and human runover incidents. However, commuters argue that the new fence could worsen safety. “If the new fence is allowed, fatal accidents will increase. Two-wheeler riders will be left without space to give space for heavy vehicles to overtake them safely,” said K Thangaraj, a retired Air Force officer. He suggested that the railways could instead increase the height of the existing iron fence.
State highways officials stated they were not aware of the development. “We will check and take necessary measures,” a senior highways official said. Salem railway division sources said the fencing is necessary to secure railway properties and prevent incidents affecting the movement of trains.
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