Truck drivers and residents of Selliyampalayam in Salem have demanded a flyover at Selliyampalayam Junction to avert accidents.
The Salem-Ulundurpet National Highway is close to Selliyampalayam and is used by thousands of vehicles every day. From Selliyampalayam, a service road heads to Attur via Narasingapuram. Vehicles from Salem turn at this junction to reach Attur. Similarly, vehicles heading to Selliyampalayam from Attur have to cross the highway to reach the village. Many road users, especially motorcycle riders, have been hit by vehicles at this junction, while crossing the highway at night.
S. Veeramani, a resident of Selliyampalayam, said that many were fatally knocked down at the junction. Poor lighting on the highway was a major problem. People residing in Attur and Narasingapuram have to pass this junction to reach Salem. Last month, a person was killed in an accident while crossing the highway. Minor accidents are common at the junction. In March 2021, the State government announced construction of a flyover at Selliyampalayam Junction. But, works are yet to start, he said.
P. Pachiappan, a truck driver and resident of Attur, said that vehicles coming from Ulundurpet pass the junction at breakneck speed, a reason attributed for the accidents. Local drivers are aware of the danger at the junction and slow their vehicles while passing it.
A senior official of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), Salem, said that the flyover work at Selliyampalayam junction started six months ago. But due to issues in acquiring land, the work was getting delayed. The works will resume soon, and the flyover will be completed in 12 months, the official added.
