Wed Jan 01 12:22:37 UTC 2025: ## Damaged Road Outside Palayamkottai Prison Causes Numerous Accidents
**Tirunelveli, January 1, 2025** – A severely damaged 50-meter stretch of highway in front of Palayamkottai Central Prison in Tirunelveli is causing numerous accidents, with residents and authorities expressing growing concern. The road, damaged even before the October 2024 northeast monsoon, has deteriorated significantly due to heavy vehicle traffic and poor initial construction. The situation is exacerbated by a nearby level crossing, closed 14 times daily, creating frequent traffic jams.
According to local autorickshaw driver K. Muppidathi, several accidents occur daily, including a recent incident where a woman motorcyclist suffered a fractured hand. Despite videos of these accidents circulating on social media, authorities have yet to take action. Further problems exist on a 3km stretch between NGO Colony intersection and Tuckerammalpuram, with poorly repaired roadworks near Reddiyarpatti Road intersection adding to the danger. A Tirunelveli City Traffic Investigation Wing constable confirmed a rise in accidents, particularly after dusk.
While Tirunelveli Corporation and police officials claim to have alerted the Department of Highways, progress remains slow. The Highways Department reportedly agreed to repairs after the rains cease, but a lack of clarity exists regarding the damaged road near the railway track. Authorities suggest that the construction of a rail overbridge at the manned level crossing is the only long-term solution to address the persistent traffic issues and dangerous road conditions.
First Piper 