The Centre has started plans to widen the 102.5-kilometer Salem-Chengapalli stretch of National Highway 544 from four lanes to six lanes. This decision comes after MP K. Subbarayan highlighted a sharp increase in traffic on this busy route linking key cities in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Currently, the nearby 54-km Chengapalli-Coimbatore stretch is already six lanes, but the Salem section remains four lanes. About 30,000 vehicles travel daily here, causing frequent jams, more fuel use, and pollution. Mr. Subbarayan has met Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari multiple times in the last three years, urging quick action on this project. Mr. Gadkari recently told the MP, "The Detailed Project Report is under preparation and further action will be taken based on the outcome of the study." Besides widening, the government has approved service roads and flyovers at key junctions including Pethampalayam and Vijayamangalam, with work ongoing. Flyovers at Lakshmi Nagar and bids for underpasses at Saralai and Nasiyanur Junctions are also planned. Regarding Lakshmi Nagar flyover, the Minister said, "Approval has been granted for the construction of a flyover on the left-hand side and that the bidding process is under way." He added the need for a flyover on the right-hand side will depend on the DPR findings. This highway upgrade aims to ease traffic troubles and reduce environmental impact, improving life for daily commuters and the public.