The State Highways department has announced that a tender has been awarded for the construction of a new 8-kilometre two-lane road along the north bank of the Vaigai river. The purpose of this project, which is estimated to cost Rs 1.50 billion and is scheduled to commence in two months, is to alleviate congestion at the Fatima College junction and provide a more convenient route for commuters traveling towards Dindigul, Samayanallur, Paravai, and Vilangudi. The road, beginning from the end of the corporation?s river bank road and extending to Thuvariman near Samayanallur, aims to offer an alternative route to the bypass road for travelers heading to Bengaluru from Mattuthavani, bypassing the need to enter the city. Currently, travellers must use the Melur main road to access the bypass road.
The revised plan for the development of the Vaigai River North Bank Road was approved by the state government in March, with initial estimates set at Rs 1.70 billion. However, following adjustments, the project will now proceed at a reduced cost of Rs 1.50 billion. This plan involves minimizing land acquisition and includes the construction of a dedicated retaining wall in sections adjacent to the river bank. The project aims to optimise the utilization of the existing river bank road within Madurai corporation limits by constructing a two-way road with paved shoulders along the northern bank.
