Transforming Travel: ₹102 Cr Boost for Marappalam Underpass

The Projects Wing of the Tamil Nadu State Highways Department has submitted a ₹102.3 crore proposal to the state government for the redevelopment of the Marappalam railway underpass on the Coimbatore–Palakkad main road at Madukkarai, aiming to address long-standing public demand for improved traffic flow in the region.

The project, which commenced in May 2025 with traffic diversions in place, has faced public concerns over its slow progress. The proposal includes:  Relaying of railway tracks over the new underpass, Widening the carriageway from two to four lanes, Land acquisition of 4,700 sq. metres, estimated at ₹17 crore, Construction of a rectangular underpass with large retaining walls, beneath 82 metres of railway track, Development of approximately 750 metres of approach roads on both sides

An official noted, “We expect both the administrative sanction and CLA approval for land acquisition to be granted before the railways complete their track reconstruction.”

Located just 2 km from the Kochi–Salem National Highway, the current single-lane, British-era underpass is the only toll-free connector between Coimbatore and Kerala. Its limited capacity frequently causes severe traffic congestion, making the upgrade a critical regional infrastructure priority.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.