Major Safety Upgrade for Madurai–Kayathar Highway: Flyover & Underpasses Incoming

Madurai, September 5, 2025 – A major safety-focused road upgrade has been announced for the Madurai–Kayathar section of National Highway 44. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will invest approximately ₹111 crore to build a flyover and three vehicular underpasses across several deadly “black spots” along the route. These upgrades are expected to significantly reduce accidents and ease traffic congestion in the region.

The project will include a flyover at Koothiyarkundu — one of the most dangerous stretches — and underpasses at Kappalur Sidco, Kuthiraichanikkulam, and Pullalakkottai (the latter is in Virudhunagar district). These areas have seen repeated incidents due to heavy traffic, pedestrian movement, and frequent animal crossings.

With industrial zones like SIDCO growing and the upcoming AIIMS hospital set to increase road use, local commuters and truckers are calling this intervention a welcome move. “This stretch is among the busiest in the country,” says C. Sathiah of the Madurai Lorry Driver Association, noting the constant flow of vehicles traveling between Kerala and Karnataka. A resident named Vishwanath P. added that the new structures would especially help early-morning commuters, including milk vendors and pedestrians, and reduce animal-related accidents.

These road works are part of NHAI’s broader ‘Zero Fatality Highways’ campaign, which spans multiple stretches across Tamil Nadu with a total funding of ₹117 crore. The Madurai–Kayathar corridor will take up ₹111 crore of this allocation.

The bidding for the construction project is already underway and will close on September 26. NHAI officials say the goal is to complete the flyover ahead of AIIMS’s inauguration, offering both safety enhancements and traffic relief.

Public and transport officials alike see this as a lifestyle-enhancing initiative — one that not only improves road safety but also supports the free flow of trade and daily travel. The project is expected to help rice farmers, traders, and working families who rely on NH-44 for everyday commuting. By reducing bottlenecks and preventing tragic crashes, these infrastructure upgrades can significantly elevate the standard of living across the region.