The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Madurai region, is on track to complete the four-laning of the 36-km Thirumangalam–Vadugapatti stretch by December 2025.

The Rs 554-crore project, part of the Madurai–Kollam greenfield National Highway 744, began in March 2023. Officials said the upgraded link road would reduce travel time, enhance safety, and ease goods transport. The alignment starts at T. Pudupatti bypass in Thirumangalam, runs via Kalupatti and Kunathur, and spans 12 km within Thirumangalam taluk. The project includes 16 vehicular underpasses and two pedestrian subways at Aalampatti and M. Subbulapuram, both identified as accident-prone black spots.

Initially slated for completion by February 2025, the works faced delays due to land acquisition hurdles and local protests. Stakeholders, including the Tamil Nadu Lorry Owners Federation, have urged NHAI to provide adequate lighting and truck parking facilities along the corridor. Once operational, the road is expected to boost connectivity and strengthen logistics efficiency in southern Tamil Nadu.