Road Widening and Junction Improvements Begin on Alagar Kovil Road
To ease the growing traffic congestion on one of the busiest stretches in Madurai, the state highways (SH) department has initiated junction improvement works at the Lotus Tank Junction and Fortune Pandiyan Hotel Junction on Alagar Kovil Main Road. These two junctions, located within a mere 500-metre stretch, are critical for traffic flow, particularly for commuters heading towards and from Natham Road and Alagar Kovil. The project, estimated to cost approximately ₹1.4 crore, is aimed at streamlining traffic, thereby reducing travel times for both locals and visitors.
The proposed improvements come as a response to the mounting traffic congestion at these key intersections. According to SH department officials, the upgrades will include the introduction of roundabouts at both junctions, designed to facilitate smoother vehicular movement. These changes are intended to complement the ongoing widening of Race Course Road by the city corporation, which is part of a larger plan to improve the overall transport infrastructure in the area.
As part of the project, the existing 60-foot-wide road will be expanded to an average width of 70 to 80 feet. However, the pavements near these junctions will be narrowed to accommodate the expanded road. The cost breakdown indicates that ₹60 lakh will be allocated for improvements at the Fortune Pandiyan Hotel Junction, while the Lotus Tank Junction will receive upgrades worth ₹80 lakh. Officials are optimistic that these changes will significantly improve entry and exit routes for commuters in the area, making it easier for vehicles to navigate these congested spots. The work is expected to be completed within the next three to four months, and once finished, it will enhance the flow of traffic between Alagar Kovil and Natham Road. This is anticipated to provide much-needed relief to the commuters who face long delays during peak hours. According to a senior SH official, “Once completed, these junction improvements will streamline traffic, making it more efficient for everyone who uses this vital route daily.”
However, while the project has received widespread support, it is not without challenges. Legal hurdles related to land acquisition for the roundabout construction have arisen. Several individuals have filed cases in the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court, leading to a temporary slowdown in progress. To tackle this, the SH department plans to adjust its construction plans by avoiding disputed areas and relocating electric posts where necessary to create additional space. Further complications have also emerged regarding proposed improvements at the Arasaradi Junction, which have been stalled due to land acquisition issues. The department is currently working on resolving these obstacles by collaborating with the Madurai Railway Division and the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) to facilitate land alienation for the project. Despite the ongoing challenges, the department is proceeding with the widening of approach roads, including Travellers’ Bungalow Road, AA Road, Theni Road, and New Jail Road, where land has been successfully acquired. The authorities are hopeful that the roadworks will be completed without further delays.
Local residents, however, have expressed some concerns regarding the necessity of widening the roads. Some argue that the current 60-foot-wide roads are sufficient and that the installation of roundabouts alone would alleviate congestion, particularly during peak traffic hours. One resident, S.S.M Raja, commented, “Instead of expanding the roads, the introduction of roundabouts would address the congestion more effectively. The road is wide enough, and the traffic jams mostly occur during peak hours.” In the face of legal hurdles and differing opinions on the project’s scope, the SH department continues to work diligently to ensure that the junction improvements and road widening on Alagar Kovil Road are completed successfully. The project, when finished, promises to ease traffic flow, benefiting thousands of commuters who rely on these busy routes daily. The ongoing junction improvement works on Alagar Kovil Main Road represent a vital step towards modernising Madurai’s transport infrastructure, despite challenges related to land acquisition and local concerns. These improvements are expected to have long-term benefits for both the city’s residents and visitors, contributing to smoother and more efficient traffic management in the area.
