The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Madurai region has initiated a Rs 230-crore project to enhance road safety and ease vehicle movement along the Madurai-Kayatharu section of NH-44, covering Madurai, Virudhunagar, and Thoothukudi districts.

The project involves constructing seven vehicular underpasses, one service road, and two foot overbridges with lifts at ten identified black spots. These locations were pinpointed based on a history of fatal or serious accidents between 2015 and 2018. Among the key areas set for improvement are Thuvariman Junction, Thankankulam Junction, and the Government Medical College in Virudhunagar.

The initiative, designed to prevent accidents and ensure pedestrian safety, is expected to be completed by June 2026. In addition to infrastructure changes, road safety auditors are actively monitoring the highway to address ongoing risks.