Frequent congestion at K.K. Nagar railway underpass in Erode highlights urgent need for widening it

The narrow railway underpass at K.K. Nagar on Chennimalai Road, built during the pre-Independence era, turns chaotic during morning and evening peak hours, and residents and motorists have reinstated the long-standing demand for its widening at the earliest.

With the expansion of Corporation limits, rapid urbanisation, connectivity to the Erode Outer Ring Road, and the presence of numerous educational institutions and commercial establishments, the road has become one of the busiest in the city. However, the underpass is so narrow that only one bus can pass at a time. Seepage from the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) canal and water stagnation during the rainy season further hinder pedestrian and vehicular movement.

“The underpass is used throughout the day by school vehicles, commercial vehicles, and private commuters, especially two-wheelers,” said V. Parameeswaran of Rangampalayam. Congestion during peak hours has become a perennial problem that remains unaddressed.

Heavy vehicles, including lorries and tourist buses headed to the Chennimalai temples, cannot use the underpass due to height-restriction bars installed at the entrance. “The underpass was built 80 years ago for bullock carts and a handful of vehicles. Now, thousands pass through it daily, and widening is essential,” said K. Damodaran, a resident of K.K. Nagar. If structural constraints prevent widening, he suggested that a new underpass or a rail overbridge be constructed. “Traffic volume keeps increasing as this road links to the ring road,” he added.

Motorists have urged the Highways Department to conduct a traffic survey, assess vehicle density, and submit a proposal to resolve the issue. They warn that any delay will worsen the situation, as students, office-goers, workers and pilgrims are already severely inconvenienced. A senior official of the Highways Department told The Hindu that a proposal has been submitted to the Railways for establishing two additional vents.