The failure of the Tiruchi Corporation to include the project of widening the Konakkarai Road between Tiruchi-Karur and Voraiyur has created frustration among the citizens.
College Road, Karur Bypass Road and Konakrai Road are the three important roads connecting different parts of the city to Tiruchi-Karur Road and Mela Chintamani.
Among them, the traffic is less visible on Konakrai Road. However, heavy traffic is seen on Karur Bypass Road and College Road. Motorists always commute on Salai Road and Tiruchi-Karur Road and Karur Bypass Road connecting the college.
The traffic volume on Karur Bypass Road and College continues to increase as new vehicles are adding to its population almost daily. There have been voices in favor of using Konkrai Road to reduce the traffic volume on the other two roads. Realizing its importance, Tiruchi Corporation proposed the project to widen the narrow road in 2018. It planned to convert the road into a major road for residents to commute between Thillai Nagar and Voraiyur and Chhatiram Bus Stand and Mela Chintamani.
Municipal Administration Minister KN Nehru visited the road after assuming office in May 2021 and promised that action would be taken soon to widen the Konakrai road. The corporation later surveyed a 2 km road running parallel to the Kudamurity river. The move was welcomed by many motorists as it was described as a good alternative to the Karur bypass road.
He hoped that the project would be announced in the budget that was presented in the recent municipal council meeting. But, he did not find a place in it, due to which there was discontent among the citizens.
“The sharp increase in the volume of vehicles on Karur Bypass Road and College Road makes it difficult for us to commute on them. If the Konakrai road is widened from 45 to 60 feet, many motorists, who intend to go from Voraiyur to Chhatiram bus stand and the northern parts of the city, will opt for it. We were looking forward to seeing the allocation of funds for the project. But we are disappointed as no announcement was made in the budget,” says S Thirunavukarasu, a resident of Voraiyur.
When contacted, a senior official of the corporation said Hindu that the project was under consideration. This has been discussed with the Collector. It will take shape in a month or two.