Seems all roads leads to WCTC (Word Classical Tamil Conference) Coimbatore. A temporary board put up by highways department at Palanganatham roundana towards bye-pass road says “Way to Semmozhi Maanaadu – Kovai“!
Since the 4-track road & ring road entirely bye-passes Madurai, this bye-pass road is now within city. A new name is due for this only genuine wide road in Madurai.
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Renovation of Madurai Airport is nearing completion. There were conflicting reports on the press about new airport will be functional by end of June, July this year. But going by the photos it seems it will take at least another 3 months. And then add another month or two for a convenient date of opening ceremony. The probable expected date can be any time in September – October this year.
Pics on Airport developments were posted in SkyscraperCity Madurai Airport Forum by Harish Ravi & Ananth. They mentioned that pics were taken by one Mr.Gnanavelu. Please view all the pictures at the following places.
Post No.349
Post No. 353
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I’ve posted couple of sample photos here for a quick view.
Some more photos were available at All about Madurai forum
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4-track roads have become the reality around Madurai since 2009. If you travel on road towards north (Salem), south (Kanyakumai) & north-east (Trichy) you can travel in relative comfort, fast & smooth. All these roads were 4-track & completed. Further the road towards south-east (Tuticorin) is also 4-track and fast nearing completion.
But all these improvements come with a price, that place regular travellers in a fix. If you have to commute about 30 kms on these 4-track daily on a car, you have to pay about Rs.75 per day for using the road. Adding to the rising fuel expenses, this adds a sizable Rs.2,000 burden per month.
If you visit nearby Melur (30kms) on Madurai – Trichy road in a car, you need to pay Rs.50 one way (or Rs.75 for two way – if returned same day). Car travel from Madurai to Chennai cost around Rs.235 one way on toll fee. About the same as a reserved second class sleeper ticket on train.
Toll charges seems to be costliest between Madurai and Trichy (120 kms) with Rs.95 one way (or Rs.145 for two way). Needless to say, it has put a positive effect of car owners who travel single. They either opt for other modes (Rs.40 is the fare on bus), or go for car pool whenever possible. NHAI can claim they are forcing car owners go green!
The rates were higher for heavy vehicles. Needless to say lorry owners are not taking it lightly. A return trip between Tuticorin and Bangalore is said to be costing Rs.3,500 on toll alone. They have announced indefinite strike from August 2, 2010. They are readily supported by private bus & van operators.
Hope some respite will be available from their protest.
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