MADURAI: The State Highways Department's 8-km-long, two-lane road along the northern bank of the Vaigai river, from near the Kamarajar bridge in Arapalayam till Samayanallur on NH-44, is expected to be completed by February 2026, officials said on Sunday.
Speaking to TNIE, a highways department official said the existing stretch from Viraganur Road to the Theekathir area, provides a straight route without entering city limits. However, vehicles heading towards the Dindigul National Highway are forced to pass through the Fatima College Road, which is heavily congested. "To ease traffic congestion and provide smoother connectivity, the new road project with a width of 10.5 metres and at an estimated cost of Rs 176 crore has been taken up," the official said.
"The project commenced in September 2024 and is expected to be completed by February 2026. As part of the work, retaining walls are being constructed along the banks of the Vaigai river to support the roadway and prevent erosion," the official added.
He further stated that two bridges would be constructed along the road for canals passing near Paravai, one located about 2,800 metres from Theekathir and another about 6,200 metres from the starting point of Kamarajar bridge in Arapalayam. The road will terminate at the Kanniyakumari NH.
Motorists travelling to Virudhunagar, Dindigul, and other southern districts would be able to reach their destinations easily without entering city traffic.
M Glory, a resident of the Theekathir area, said the existing Fatima College Road frequently witnesses accidents as both mofussil and city buses operate on the narrow stretch up to Samayanallur. She pointed out that the road is unable to handle the heavy traffic volume.
"If the new two-lane road is completed, mofussil buses and private vehicles heading towards Paravai, Vilangudi, and Samayanallur can be diverted through it, which will greatly reduce accidents and traffic congestion," she added.