If you did your schooling in Madurai during 80s – 90s or earlier, chances are that you had at least one cycle trip to Pulloothu. It is one of those nice little secluded spot, that doesn’t grow into a tourist spot but remain endearing to lads.
Pulloothu seemed far from the madding crowd, on a tree-shadowed road from Kochadai to Sholavandan. After about 7kms from Kochadai, a small board on left side, indicating ‘Boys Town‘ is the mark that directs towards Pulloothu.
It is a small stone canal from a water spring that gives a steady but small stream of water throughout the year. Eventhough there isn’t any facility nearby, it’s very secluded & a sudden change into a hill like terrain, makes it a worthy trip.
The city & the development is inevitably inching closer to Pulloothu. The new 4-track North-South National Highway No.7 (Kashmir to Kanyakumari) now goes very close to the place where we make a left turn to Pulloothu.
The small path along side the tiled houses is the original road to Pulloothu. Now this entry looks like any ordinary lane. The place & surroundings are still green. Hope Pulloothu will retain it’s uniqueness & become a regulated picnic spot.
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.
The proposed NH from Trichy to Tuticorin via Madurai is completed between Madurai & Tuticorin. But before converting the existing Madurai – Trichy route as highway, the proposal was changed for better.
A 4 track highway is being executed between Madurai and Trichy. The good news is most part of the route between Madurai and Melur will be completely new!. The existing Madurai – Melur (30 kms) stretch is well known for continuous turns and a notorius blind narrow turn at Therkku theru village. Accidents in this stretch is almost a daily occurence. This will certainly be one big relief.
The new track between Melur – Madurai ends at the existing ring road. This road is expected to be operation in 2007.
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The North-South Golden Corridor of 4-lane Super Highway is coming to Madurai atlast! The work from Samayanallur to Virudhunagar is awarded as a single contract and works for bye-pass & bridges etc were started.
At Samayanallur it will start on the existing route. There will be a new bye-pass between Paravai (Dindigul NH Road) and Thoppur (Kanyakumari NH Road). The existing bye-pass road which developed as a shopping haven of Madurai South can heave a sigh of relief.
Work on a new bye-pass at Tirumangalam has started. Boards put up along the route indicates the work will be over by March 2008.
