Temporary safety measures implemented on Fatima College-Samayanallur road

Madurai: In response to frequent accidents on the Fatima College-Samayanallur stretch, the state highways department has introduced temporary safety measures. Acting on directives from the Madras high court, officials have installed road blinkers, closed high-risk median openings, and made modifications to improve safety along the 10-km four-lane corridor.The highway, a vital link connecting Madurai to Dindigul, Salem, Bengaluru, and southern districts like Sivagangai and Ramanathapuram, experiences heavy traffic. It serves suburban areas such as Vilangudi, Paravai, and Samayanallur, accommodating both daily commuters and high-speed vehicles. However, its dense traffic and unsafe median openings have contributed to numerous accidents.Mohana Gandhi, divisional engineer of the state highways department, detailed the measures taken: "We have closed six critical median openings—four near Samayanallur, one near Paravai, and one near Vilangudi. A median near Paravai, notorious for frequent accidents, has been sealed. Additionally, seven other openings, such as the one near Kondamari causeway, have been narrowed to allow only two-wheelers."Blinkers and warning signages have been installed at accident-prone spots to enhance driver awareness. Gandhi added, "We are also working on a proposal to install additional LED lights to improve nighttime visibility. Some critical areas have been illuminated temporarily."While these interventions offer relief, residents and road safety advocates emphasize the need for permanent solutions, including better lighting, signage, and stricter enforcement. M Kamatchi, a regular commuter between Vilangudi and Paravai, said, "Poor lighting at night is the main cause of accidents. More lights and better signage would significantly improve safety."Traffic activist T Nageshwaran acknowledged the improvements but pointed out gaps. "Encroachments have been cleared, and several risky openings have been closed, making the road safer. However, the current LED lights are dim, and visibility is uneven. Placing lights at the center of the road could help."A senior highways official stated that the department is collaborating with traffic police to identify additional high-risk areas. A study is underway to evaluate the feasibility of closing more median openings. Officials remain optimistic that these efforts will reduce accidents and ensure safer commutes.₹150-crore alternate project to ease traffic near Fatima CollegeMadurai: As a long-term solution to congestion and safety issues on the Fatima College-Samayanallur stretch, the state highways department is expediting work on an alternate 8-km road along the northern bank of the Vaigai River. Estimated at ₹150 crore, the project will connect North Bank Road near Kamarajar Bridge to Thuvariman near Samayanallur, providing a smoother commute for thousands of travellers.Launched in July 2023, the project faced delays due to a revised plan aimed at reducing costs and minimizing land acquisition. Initially estimated at ₹170 crore, the revised design lowered costs by incorporating a 0.5-km longer alignment, reducing the need for retaining walls. A senior highways official explained, "The adjustments ensure a cost-effective and sustainable design while addressing environmental concerns."The road will feature two lanes with paved shoulders, utilizing existing riverbank roads within Madurai Corporation limits. Small tanks along the route required clearance from the public works department (PWD), which has approved retaining walls only in high-risk flood zones to lower costs and environmental impact.Divisional engineer Mohana Gandhi noted, "About 10% of the project is complete. We aim to finish construction by December 2025. Although the plan revision caused delays, it was necessary for a more efficient outcome."Traffic activist M Raj Kumar highlighted the need for the new bypass road. "It will divert traffic from congested city junctions, especially since expanding the current road is impossible due to its proximity to the railway track," he said.Road Safety and Decongestion MeasuresTemporary MeasuresMedian Closures6 high-risk median openings closed:4 near Samayanallur1 near Paravai1 near Vilangudi7 openings narrowed for two-wheelers onlyRoad Blinkers & SignagesRoad blinkers installed at accident-prone stretchesWarning signages placed in high-accident zones to improve driver awarenessImproved IlluminationLED lights installed temporarily in critical areasProposal under review to enhance lighting for better nighttime visibilityPermanent Solution: Alternate Road ProjectObjective: Ease congestion on Fatima College-Samayanallur stretchKey FeaturesRoute: 8 km from North Bank Road (near Kamarajar Bridge) to Thuvariman (near Samayanallur)Design: Two-way road with paved shouldersFlood Safety: Retaining walls in flood-prone areasWidth: 10.5 metersAccident Data (2018–2024)StretchTime periodNumber of accidentsOutside city limits2018-2024399 (104 fatal)Inside city limits2018-202488 (22 fatal)Source: Traffic Police
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