NH 83 upgrade to be over by Mar, will cut travel time for Madurai residents

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Madurai: Four-laning work on the Kamalapuram-Oddanchatram section of National Highway (NH) 83 is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed in March, according to officials of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).Once operational, the upgraded highway is expected to reduce travel time between Madurai, Dindigul, Oddanchatram and Pollachi, improving movement of passenger and commercial vehicles. The addition of medians, improved geometric design, and enhanced signage aim to strengthen road safety standards along this stretch, an NHAI official said.The project which commenced on Jan 21, 2021, has stuck to the targeted timeline with around 90% complete, and will be complete likely by March 31, 2026, the official said.S Yuvaraj, president of Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners’ Federation, welcomed the upgrade saying the conversion to four-lane is a long-due boost for road safety. The extension and expansion of roads, especially narrow and congested ones, are necessary to prevent accidents with the growing vehicle movement in the region.C Sathiah, president of Madurai Lorry Drivers Association, said, “The four-way lane will make transportation better because earlier, the stretch used to have heavy traffic.”

He added it would be particularly beneficial for Madurai drivers as it joins Natham road at Vadipatti. “The distance is also less, improving travel time,” he said.Prasanth L, another driver from Madurai, said the project will facilitate better transportation of goods and support economic activity. “Better roads will benefit agricultural produce that can be transported on time,” he said. “With reduced travel time on the stretch, the movement of seasonal fruits and vegetables will become faster and more efficient, helping farmers and traders minimize spoilage and reach markets at the right time,” A Marichamy, a farmer from Madakulam, said.The total cost of the project is Rs1,319.42 crore, and is being implemented under Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), a public-private partnership (PPP) framework used for infrastructure development.