NHAI Urged to Expedite Highway Expansion After Fatal Crash
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is under increasing pressure to accelerate the expansion of the Trichy-Karaikudi National Highway (NH 336 & 536) following a deadly crash on Saturday. The fatal head-on collision near Thirumayam claimed the lives of five people, sparking renewed concerns over the safety of the narrow highway, which has long been notorious for accidents.
On Saturday, a family of four and a person in a mini cargo truck lost their lives when the two vehicles collided. The crash occurred on a stretch of the highway that narrows to two lanes beyond the city limits, significantly heightening the risk of accidents. District authorities, including police and administrative officials, have pointed out that the lack of safety measures such as central medians exacerbates the problem. Vehicles frequently veer into the opposite lane while overtaking, which increases the likelihood of head-on collisions.
Pudukottai district officials are now urging NHAI to fast-track the road widening project and install medians to improve safety. While the highway features four lanes within Trichy city, it reduces to a two-lane stretch beyond the city limits, serving as a vital corridor for the region but creating a dangerous bottleneck.In light of the growing fatalities, the district police chief has recommended temporary measures such as installing median dividers to prevent vehicles from encroaching on the opposite lane, pending the completion of the expansion project.
NHAI had previously prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to expand the 81-kilometre stretch into a four-lane highway, with provisions for bypasses to divert traffic around towns and villages. However, work on the project has yet to commence.
Despite the government’s commitment to the highway upgrade, the persistent delays in construction have sparked serious concerns. Officials have promised to take up the matter with NHAI in an upcoming meeting, emphasising the urgent need to prioritise road safety and prevent further fatalities.
