Residents demand overpasses at the accident-prone Kitchipalayam and Erumapalayam intersections

Local residents have demanded flyovers at the accident-prone Erumapalayam and Kitchipalayam junctions on the Salem-Ulundurpet national highway.

The Salem-Ulundurpet National Highway passes through Erumapalayam, a panchayat under Salem Corporation. It is said that over 100,000 people live on either side of the road and have to cross the road to reach areas like Kitchipalayam and the old Salem bus station within the Corporation limits.

S. Chandru, a resident of Sanniyasigundu, said that people have to cross the highway to reach Kitchiplayam, Gugai and Kalarampatti. Since vehicles ply the stretch at high speed, accidents are common on the highway, especially at night. Due to poor lighting, people crossing the road on foot are often hit by vehicles. At least one fatal accident is reported in the area every month. Although the city police have put up barricades and red lights, the number of accidents has not reduced. Therefore, the government should build flyovers at Kitchipalayam and Erumapalayam junctions to prevent accidents, Mr. Chandru added.

N. Arun, a resident of Erumapalayam, said that there are many small industries, truck workshops and schools near the highway. Hence, this stretch sees heavy traffic throughout the day. Trucks travelling from Dharmapuri, Namakkal and Salem to Chennai, Tiruvannamalai and Vellore use the road. Pedestrians and motorcyclists are affected by accidents in the area. Construction of flyovers at the junctions would prevent accidents, he said.

Officials of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) said they would send a proposal to the Indian government later this year for construction of flyovers at these two junctions. It would be included in the annual road safety plan, they added.