A critical infrastructure project intended to ease traffic congestion between Kerala and Tamil Nadu has hit a bottleneck, with the expansion of the Madukkarai underpass in Coimbatore delayed due to the lack of a viable traffic diversion plan.
While the Palakkad Railway Division is prepared to begin work on the reconstruction of the ageing wooden railway bridge, the absence of an approved detour for vehicular traffic has brought the initiative to a standstill, exacerbating congestion on this key corridor. The stretch in question serves as a vital arterial link between Coimbatore and Kerala, currently straining under an ever-increasing volume of traffic. Officials from the police and highways departments have acknowledged that the plan to expand the underpass with a four-lane carriageway cannot proceed unless a detailed, workable diversion scheme is put in place. Although the Coimbatore District Police had proposed traffic diversions as early as March 14, implementation has been stalled amid operational challenges and stakeholder disagreements.
A major hurdle lies in the proposed alternate route, which passes through Madukkarai Market Road and Chettipalayam Pirivu. This route itself includes another underpass affected by drainage issues, rendering it unfit to handle diverted traffic without prior repair. Further complicating the matter is the presence of educational institutions along the Salem-Kochi National Highway, which raises concerns about toll charges. Heavy vehicles, school buses, and college transport vehicles would all be impacted by the proposed diversions, prompting calls for toll exemptions during the construction phase.
The administrative maze has meant that a project backed by a sanctioned outlay of Rs 34 crore—split equally between the Indian Railways and the Tamil Nadu Highways Department—remains on paper. The plan involves dismantling the existing structure and replacing it with a robust four-lane underpass, designed to serve the rapidly urbanising stretch more efficiently and safely. With the Railways seeking a construction period of one year, officials across departments have been engaged in a series of deliberations to finalise traffic management and toll waivers.
Coimbatore District Collector has confirmed that cross-departmental meetings have been held to expedite the project, with the transport and education departments now involved in identifying vehicles eligible for toll exemptions. Approval from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) remains pending, which is essential for rolling out the traffic redirection strategy. Stakeholders argue that while the delay stems from a genuine need for detailed planning, the ongoing stalemate is causing real-world disruptions to daily commuters, transporters, and local communities.
Located just two kilometres from the Kochi-Salem highway, the Madukkarai underpass stands as the most direct access point to Kerala without any toll barriers. It is not only a logistical asset but a socio-economic lifeline for thousands who rely on it for commerce, education, and emergency services. The longer the delay persists, the more pronounced the impact on Coimbatore’s urban mobility and regional connectivity.
With sustainability goals and equitable mobility at the forefront of urban planning today, the impasse also brings into focus the need for integrated, future-ready infrastructure strategies that consider all road users, especially the vulnerable. As the city continues to grapple with development challenges, an expedited resolution is not just in the public interest but essential for upholding principles of accessibility and inclusive growth.
Madukkarai Traffic Chaos Delays Key Infrastructure Work
