The State Highways Department has commenced the second phase of widening the existing two-lane Tiruvannamalai–Avalurpet Main Road (SH-130B) into a four-lane stretch to prevent accidents on the key arterial route.
Officials said the ongoing Phase I covers a 1.3-km stretch near the temple town, at a cost of ₹18 crore. The work includes the construction of six culverts, stormwater drains, LED streetlights, and a median with safety features such as reflectors, signage, and blinkers. “The first phase will be completed by January, while the second phase is scheduled for completion by March 2026. Once widened, the road will provide the shortest route for devotees travelling from Tiruvannamalai to Kancheepuram, Tindivanam, and Chennai,” K. Anbarasu, Assistant Executive Engineer, State Highways, told The Hindu.
Recently, Minister for Public Works E.V. Velu laid the foundation stone for the second phase, accompanied by Collector K. Tharpagaraj, M. Murali, Superintending Engineer, and P. Gnanavel, Divisional Engineer, State Highways, Tiruvannamalai. “The widened stretch will help prevent accidents, especially at night, as many tourist vans and buses ply on this pilgrim route,” said K. Sethu, a motorist.
