Thoppur Ghat road is recognized as one of the most hazardous routes in the state. In 2019, the road was classified as a ?Black Spot? by the NHAI due to the high frequency of accidents.
Data from the regional transport office indicates that from 2019 to 2023, there were 209 accidents on this stretch, with 64 resulting in fatalities. A total of 77 people lost their lives, and 259 were injured.
Earlier this year, a severe accident resulted in four fatalities and left eight others injured. This incident led the NHAI to initiate the construction of an elevated highway at a cost of Rs 7.75 billion. As the project will take four years to complete, the NHAI implemented interim measures, including correcting the road alignment that had been a significant factor in the accidents. This work was finished in May.
Regional Transport Officer Dhamodaran reported to TNIE that, due to increasing pressure from the Dharmapuri administration and elected officials, the NHAI had been working closely with them on various initiatives to reduce accidents on Thoppur Ghat road. He noted that compared to 2019, there was a 52.63% decrease in accidents in 2023, a 44.44% reduction in fatal accidents, a 56.52% drop in fatalities, and a 58.18% decrease in injuries.
