Fatima College, Viraganur jn stretches to get streetlights

Madurai: Following a directive from Madras high court, Madurai corporation will install 215 streetlights along the stretch from Fatima College to the outpost on the Dindigul bypass road at a cost of 1.44 crore, aimed at improving safety and visibility for commuters.
Chief engineer Rooban Ponniah said, "A hundred double-arm lights, each with two LED lamps, and 15 single-arm lights will be installed on both sides of the stretch as the existing two-way road isn't wide enough for median lighting. We have called for a tender process within a month after receiving the directive from the court. Work is likely to begin in the next month."
The corporation has also outlined another project to install 236 streetlights from the Viraganur junction to Kuruvikaran Salai junction at 1.56 crore. "In the first phase, we are focusing on city roads that connect with state highways, especially roads through which high-speed vehicles enter the city," Ponniah said.
M Raj Kumar, a traffic activist, lauded the corporation's move. "This is a much-needed project to ensure road safety in the bypass road. However, suburbs under Paravai municipality also need attention as these areas record more accidents compared to the city limits."
Mahendra Varman, a senior member of the Madurai Infrastructure Development (MID) Group, criticized the lack of lighting on other major stretches. "Even the road connecting the Madurai airport to Avaniyapuram lacks proper lighting and median barriers. This oversight leaves critical stretches in complete darkness," he said.
"Vehicles coming from Tirunelveli and Tuticorin through the Mandelanagar junction have to pass through an unlit road, putting motorists at risk," said N Kamaraj, a resident of Mandelanagar.