M K Stalin, Chief Minister, inaugurated an 11.15-kilometre stretch of the Mallikarai-Rasipuram-Thiruchengodu-Erode state highway, which had been widened into a four-lane road under the Chennai-Kanniyakumari Industrial Corridor Project (CKICP). The highway was developed at a cost of Rs 4.24 billion, with funding provided by the Asian Development Bank.

Out of this, 7.75 kilometres of the highway had been expanded to four lanes with a width of 17 metres, while a 3.2-kilometre elevated corridor was constructed along the Thiruchengodu-Pallipalayam highway in Namakkal district. The elevated two-lane road was expected to benefit four villages: Thokkavadi, Kadachanalur, Samayasangili Agraharam, and Pallipalayam, according to an official note.

Addressing allegations about the poor quality of the elevated road between Thiruchengodu and Pallipalayam, the state highways department issued a statement denying the claims. The department stated that the quality of the elevated road had been verified and certified by experts from MSV International - JSV Associates Engineers, and that media reports suggesting poor construction quality of the flyover were baseless and false.

In addition, the chief minister also inaugurated a road overbridge at Pazhanganatham in Madurai, which was built at a cost of Rs 550 million.

News source: New Indian Express