Tamil Nadu: A long-standing lighting problem on the Trichy-Thanjavur National Highway is about to end. The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has finalized the contract for a project costing approximately ₹3.6 crore to install new LED streetlights along key stretches of the Trichy-Thanjavur National Highway, including the Trichy-Palpanai Road. This decision is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of daily commuters, local residents, and business owners.
For the past several months, the Trichy-Dairy Road, also known as the Thanjavur National Highway, has been facing significant inconvenience due to the lack of adequate streetlights and the malfunctioning of many old streetlights. The darkness on the road at night has raised serious concerns about driver safety.
The most severe problem is on the approximately 15-kilometer approach road from Old Dairy Junction to Tuvakkudi and the National Highway. Over 200 streetlights along this entire stretch have been out of service for several months. As a result, the road is plunged into complete darkness at night, making it difficult for drivers to see the road and increasing the risk of accidents significantly.
Locals say that poor lighting not only increases the number of road accidents but also increases the risk of antisocial activities and crime. Late-night travelers, women, and two-wheeler riders are facing the most difficulties.
Residents of the area allege that they have repeatedly drawn the attention of the concerned departments to this problem, but no concrete action has been taken for a long time. Following this, the Access Road Rescue Association and citizens who regularly use this route jointly submitted a memorandum to the National Highway Authority of India, demanding a speedy solution.
The issue has also been taken seriously at the political level. Trichy MP Durai Vaiko raised the issue of poor lighting on the road with NHAI officials. He held a meeting with the officials and demanded immediate action to ensure the safety of travelers.
The project gained momentum after discussions between MP Durai Vaiko and NHAI officials. Officials assessed the current road conditions and prepared a proposal to install modern LED streetlights along the entire route. The contract for this project, estimated to cost approximately ₹3.6 crore, has now been finalized.
According to reports, the installation of new LED lights will provide better and more uniform lighting along the entire route. LED technology consumes less power, lasts longer, and has relatively low maintenance costs. This will not only save electricity but also reduce maintenance problems in the future.
Experts believe that adequate lighting on national highways is a crucial component of road safety. Good lighting allows drivers to clearly see the road, curves, dividers, and other vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents. It also improves the safety of pedestrians and local residents at night.
Local merchants say that the darkness on the road hinders customer traffic at night. The installation of new streetlights will also boost business activity and ensure safer travel.
Residents of the area have welcomed NHAI’s decision and expressed hope that the project will commence soon and be completed within the stipulated timeframe. They say that the resolution of this long-standing problem will bring relief to thousands of people.
All eyes are now on how quickly construction begins after the contracting process is completed and when the entire road will be illuminated with modern LED streetlights. If the project is completed on time, travel on the Trichy-Thanjavur National Highway will become much safer, more convenient, and smoother than before.
