The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Wednesday ordered notice to the State on a public interest litigation petition that sought a direction to the authorities to review the feasibility reports and take steps for establishing a flyover or grade separator at Viraganoor junction in Madurai.

A Division Bench of Justices N. Sathish Kumar and M. Jothiraman was hearing the petition filed by G. Theeran Thirumurugan of Madurai.

The petitioner said Viraganoor junction constitutes one of the most important traffic intersections. The junction connects Madurai with the southern districts. The traffic volume at the junction has increased manifold over the years.

The existing traffic infrastructure was grossly inadequate to accommodate the present traffic density. During peak hours, thousands of vehicles experience prolonged delays and severe congestion. During major festivals, political conferences, visits of dignitaries and public events, traffic congestion extends for several kilometres, causing immense hardship to the public, he said.

Traffic congestion at the junction adversely affected school and college students, office goers, traders, transport operators. Movement of ambulances, fire service and other emergency services were frequently obstructed, posing a serious threat to public safety and human life, he said.

He said the State government had earlier recognised the necessity for construction of a grade separator at the junction. However, the proposal was dropped primarily due to issues arising out of contractual obligations and claims that may be raised by toll concessionaire relating to possible loss of toll revenue during the construction period.

The continued non-implementation of the project despite the exponential growth in traffic volume and public safety concerns warrants reconsideration by the authorities in larger public interest, the petitioner said.

He sought a direction to the authorities to revisit and reconsider the feasibility study and the technical reports already undertaken in respect of Viraganoor Junction.

He also sought a direction to the authorities to carry out further technical assessment required in the light of traffic density, recurring traffic congestion, road safety concerns, future traffic projections, and consequently accord necessary administrative approval and financial sanction for establishment and implementation of a flyover or grade separator project at Viraganoor junction.