Poor lighting turns the median opening on the Tiruchi-Pudukottai road into a safety hazard

Two-wheelers and vehicles take a U-turn in the open middle on the Tiruchi-Pudukottai National Highway in the city without paying attention to the serious danger. | Photo Credit: M. MOORTHY

Lack of proper lighting and multiple median openings on the Tiruchi-Pudukottai National Highway (NH) passing through the international airport poses a safety hazard to road users.

The city that stretches Tiruchi-Pudukottai NH between Jail Corner and the airport has about 15 gaps to prevent over-speeding. These central holes in the stretch are considered very dangerous as two-wheelers and vehicles enter the highway from all directions, causing traffic jams during peak hours. It is said that accidents are often reported on one side, especially at night.

The temporary metal barriers near these medians to control traffic have caused concern for road users. Although barriers have been put up so that vehicles entering the city can move slowly, they have become an obstacle for pedestrians and two-wheelers. The lack of bright stickers or adequate signage on the metal bars adds to the misery.

“All these central spaces can be places of danger and the authorities should take measures to redesign the central space instead of putting up barriers to avoid bad incidents,” said N. Saravanan, a road safety activist.

Likewise, motorists and passengers traveling on the national highways between Morais City and Sembattu are inconvenienced due to the lack of light. Given the amount of traffic, the area remains dark near Mathur Junction, which poses a threat to road users.

“Road users, especially two-wheelers, face many problems while roaming at night. The lack of lights causes frequent accidents, thereby disrupting traffic,” said J. Felix, a car driver.

The head of the National Highways Division in the state’s highways said they will look into the issue.