The State Highways Department’s 8-km-long two-lane road connecting Arapalayam and Samayanallur in Madurai is expected to be completed by February 2026, officials said. The road runs along the northern bank of the Vaigai River, starting near the Kamarajar bridge in Arapalayam and extending up to Samayanallur on National Highway-44.According to a highways department official, the existing stretch from Viraganur Road to the Theekathir area already provides a relatively straight route without passing through the city. However, vehicles heading towards the Dindigul National Highway are currently forced to use the narrow and heavily congested Fatima College Road. “To ease traffic congestion and provide smoother connectivity, the new road project has been taken up with a width of 10.5 metres at an estimated cost of Rs 1.76 billion,” the official said.The project commenced in September 2024 and is progressing steadily. “The road is expected to be ready by February 2026. Retaining walls are being constructed along the Vaigai riverbank to support the roadway and prevent soil erosion,” the official added.As part of the project, two bridges will also be constructed over canals near Paravai. One bridge will be located around 2,800 metres from the Theekathir area, while the second will come up approximately 6,200 metres from the Kamarajar bridge in Arapalayam. The road will eventually terminate at the Kanniyakumari National Highway.Once completed, the new stretch is expected to significantly benefit motorists travelling towards Virudhunagar, Dindigul, and other southern districts, allowing them to bypass city traffic. M Glory, resident, Theekathir area, said the existing Fatima College Road often witnesses accidents due to heavy traffic and the movement of both city and mofussil buses. “The new road will help divert long-distance buses and private vehicles towards Paravai, Vilangudi, and Samayanallur, reducing congestion and accidents,” she added.News source: The New Indian Express