Certain parts of the Maduravoyal – Walajahpet section of the highway have become dangerous for motorists.
What’s it about? The 98-km Maduravoyal – Walajahpet stretch of the highway has seen more than 780 accidents between January 2019 and this September, with 79 deaths. The section has pits, potholes, incomplete stormwater drain work, and an absence of illumination, to name a few. Adding to the woes are delays in completing the six-laning of the stretch between Sriperumbudur and Walajapet.
- The 98-km Maduravoyal – Walajahpet stretch has 46 black spots based on data from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Motorists have also fallen into pits meant for road widening.
- The Maduravoyal – Sriperumbudur stretch is one of the busiest roads in India. In 2019, it had 1.25 lakh vehicles a day. In some parts, the road narrows suddenly into a single lane due to the construction of bridges.
Rectifying measures: An elevated corridor has been proposed between Maduravoyal and Sriperumbudur. This 28-km stretch will be an extension of the highway. To prevent accidents at 35 black spots, officials will introduce permanent measures like underpasses and bridges. There’s a delay due to approvals from the state government for gravel and soil.