MADURAI: The construction works for the 35.6-kilometre stretch of road between Vadugapatti and Therkuvenganallur -- being upgraded into a four-lane corridor as part of the Madurai-Kollam greenfield NH 744 -- are expected to be completed by April, according to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The whole section, part of the second phase of the NH project, is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 1,318 crore.
While addressing media persons on Thursday, NHAI Nagercoil Region Project Director Sachin Kumar Mishra said 27.8 kilometres, out of the 35.6-kilometre stretch, would be converted into a greenfield section, and the rest would be widened from a two-lane to a four-lane corridor. Sachin said the phase II construction commenced in April 2023, and the Vadugapatti-Therkuvenganallur section would reduce the time taken to travel from Krishnan Kovil to Rajapalayam from 45 minutes to 20 minutes. After the completion of phase I -- a 36-kilometre section between Thirumangalam and Vadugapatti -- the travel time will be significantly reduced from two hours to nearly an hour, he said, adding that the project would improve transportation efficiency in the region, especially Rajapalayam, which is an industrial hub of textile mills and firecracker industries.
The Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) has been implemented across the entire section with a control centre at Nathampatti Toll Plaza, he said. Coupled with an effective surveillance system -- one CCTV camera per kilometre -- he said the ATMS would assist in the dissemination of real-time information, early detection of incidents, and enforcement support, he said. “Two high-mast lights will be installed every 16 kilometres, besides an increase in the number of upper streetlights. Thirty-two bus shelters will be built. The project was delayed due to the construction of rail overbridges in two places -- Srivilliputhur and Therkuvanganallur,” he added.
A total of 16 underpasses were constructed along the whole stretch for the villages located in Sivakasi area. “The road is designed without any black spots and median openings. A 245-metre flyover has been constructed at the Rajapalayam section,” he said.
“On a trial basis, a two-kilometre stretch of the service road in Ramalingapuram was laid using plastic waste. The condition of the road will be examined after five years,” he added.