Poor lighting on Tiruchi-Thanjavur highway raises safety concerns

Barricades without reflectors pose a challenge to drivers on Tiruchi-Thanjavur National Highway at night. | Photo Credit: M. MOORTHY 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. is essential on the busy stretch, which witnesses heavy vehicle movement as well as regular traffic from residential neighbourhoods,” said N. Saravanan, a road safety activist.Traffic management on the stretch has come under criticism. Traffic signals have been installed at Kattur, Win Nagar, the BHEL Training Centre, IMTI Junction, and the Deena Dayalan Nagar intersection. However, residents allege that the signals, particularly those at Kattur and Win Nagar, have contributed to congestion rather than easing traffic flow.“I had to wait through four consecutive signal cycles to proceed along the stretch, with vehicles lined up on the road. When the signals do not function, barricades are placed to regulate traffic. This confuses road users, who are often unsure where the barricades have been positioned,” said K. Rajendran, general secretary of the Federation for Retrieval of Tiruchi Palpannai–Thuvakudi Service Road.The positioning of barricades has emerged as another safety concern. Road users say that despite the presence of reflectors, barricades are difficult to spot in poorly illuminated spots and may not be visible in time, increasing the risk of collisions.Residents fear that inadequate lighting, traffic congestion, and poorly visible barricades could increase the risk of accidents unless proper lighting is restored and traffic management measures improved. Published - November 10, 2026 07:15 pm IST