Poor lighting on Tiruchi-Thanjavur highway raises safety concerns

TIRUCHI Inadequate lighting along the Tiruchi-Thanjavur National Highway has raised safety concerns among road users, with most street lights reportedly non-functional along the 15-km stretch between Palpannai and Thuvakudi. The highway, which witnesses heavy vehicular movement, has remained poorly illuminated for more than two weeks, increasing the risk of accidents at night, particularly near junctions and points where roads from residential neighbourhoods merge with the highway. The stretch is considered accident-prone, with minor and fatal accidents reported frequently.

A recent survey found that more than 200 street lights along the stretch were not functioning. Although around 75 additional lights have been installed, most of the existing lights continue to remain non-functional or operate intermittently, according to road users. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) commenced repair work on the non-functional lights about two months ago.

However, the work has been delayed, leaving the stretch in darkness. “Adequate illumination between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.