Madurai–Dindigul travel to become faster

Madurai: The Natham route is all set to emerge as a faster alternative for travel between Madurai and Dindigul, with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) initiating steps to upgrade the stretch into a four-lane corridor.While the Madurai–Natham section was already widened with an elevated corridor in Madurai, the proposed expansion of the remaining 38km between Natham and Dindigul will complete the link. Despite being about 15km longer than the existing Madurai–Dindigul route via Samayanallur and Vadipatti, the upgraded corridor is expected to offer quicker travel by easing congestion and ensuring smoother traffic flow.A senior NHAI official confirmed to TOI that consultancy bids have been invited to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for the Natham–Dindigul stretch. "NHAI has also floated bids for preparing DPR of the outer ring road phase 2, from Tamaraipatti to T Pudupatti. Together, these projects will significantly enhance road infrastructure in the Madurai region," the official said.Commuters and traffic activists welcomed the move. Traffic activist T Nageshwaran pointed out that the Madurai–Natham section is already considered one of the fastest routes to Dindigul. "If the Natham–Dindigul stretch is also converted into four lanes, it will become the most efficient route. However, state highways department is simultaneously working on an alternate Madurai–Samayanallur–Dindigul corridor. Once both projects are completed, the region will have two travel options between the two cities," he said.Nageshwaran, however, cautioned that tree loss during road widening should not be overlooked. "We lost a large number of trees for the Madurai–Natham expansion. The Natham–Dindigul section too has dense tree cover. Authorities should take steps to compensate for this ecological loss," he added.Madurai Infrastructure Development Group president Balamurugan said the proposed upgrade could also strengthen regional connectivity. "If NHAI extends four-laning up to Kottampatti, residents of Madurai North will have easier access to the Bengaluru highway. This, along with the upcoming Sipcot industrial park at Melur, will give investors dual highway access, making the area more attractive for industries," he said.