Residents of Karimangalam urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to expedite underpass construction and road expansion at Keragodahalli and Agaram junctions on NH44, citing chronic traffic congestion and safety concerns. The junctions were described by locals as black spots prone to frequent accidents along the highway that links Salem, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts. Work on the site began more than a year ago, but villagers said visible progress has stalled and disruptions have increased. According to local accounts, the NHAI excavated sections of the road to create underpasses and cleared dozens of trees before laying a granular base, yet several pits were left unattended for nearly a year. Drivers and residents said the absence of warning signage where rural roads meet the national highway has heightened the risk of collisions and impeded the smooth flow of traffic. Community members added that the prolonged nature of the works has affected daily commutes and local economic activity. The local newspaper reached out to NHAI officials, who reported that a part of the first phase of the project had been completed with pedestrian overpasses near the Karimangalam Government Arts College and the Government Law College. Officials indicated that works were under way in Gundalapatti and that junction improvements at Keragodahalli and Agaram would follow once current tasks progressed. They added that the agency was monitoring the schedule to reduce inconvenience to road users. Residents said they expect a clear timeline for resumption and completion of the remaining works and urged the authority to institute interim safety measures such as signage and temporary traffic management until the underpasses and expanded carriageways are finished. Local drivers called for coordination between district authorities and the NHAI to prevent further incidents and to restore uninterrupted movement on the highway. Community leaders warned that continued delays would erode public confidence and urged prompt remedial action.