The stalled road widening work between Solar and Gatepudhur on the Erode-Karur Road (State Highway 84) has caused considerable inconvenience to motorists, who have urged the State Highways Department to resume and complete the work at the earliest.

The road is one of the busiest arterial routes connecting Erode and Karur and an important link to destinations in the southern districts. Buses, lorries, commercial vehicles, and other traffic use the road throughout the day. In 2019, former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami announced a proposal to convert the road into a four-lane carriageway. However, following a change in government, the project was kept in abeyance. The DMK government subsequently announced that the road would be widened in phases.

Foundation stones were laid on February 20, 2026, for widening the stretches between Solar and Gatepudhur and between Solangapalayam and Kangeyampalayam. The works, estimated at ₹55 crore, are being executed under the Integrated Road Development Scheme 2026-27.

The initial phase involved removing trees along both sides of the five-km Solar-Gatepudhur stretch. Though the work progressed at a brisk pace initially, it subsequently slowed down and stopped in June. Motorists said only culverts had been constructed at multiple locations and no further work had been taken up for nearly two months. “Only barricades have been placed near the culvert construction sites,” said P. Anand of Kollukattumedu.

Uneven stretches pose danger

Road users said several portions of the road remained dug up, while gravel was yet to be laid in some places. More than a foot of soil has been excavated along the existing road for the widening work. “The uneven stretches pose a threat to motorists, particularly during the night,” said a resident of Lakkapuram Naal Road.

Erode MP K.E. Prakash has also raised concerns over roads being left unattended after being dug up for infrastructure works. He said roads across Erode district had been left incomplete by contractors, causing hardship to motorists and the public. He urged the authorities to ensure that such works were completed within the stipulated time and roads restored without delay.

Residents said the incomplete work on the busy Erode-Karur route had increased the risk of accidents, particularly as the road handles substantial passenger and freight traffic. They urged the authorities to resume and complete the widening work at the earliest, before the monsoon intensifies, to ensure the safety of road users.

Published - August 08, 2026 03:50 pm IST