A Journey from Thanjavur to Karaikal via Needamangalam A Bitter sweet Tale of Progress & Nostalgia

“The journey from Thanjavur to Karaikal is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you’re going to get! The old road is filled with potholes, bumps, and railway gates, while the new bypass road is a breath of fresh air. It saves time and hardship during railway crossings, but it’s not without its drawbacks. The old road, with its Tamarind trees, serpentine roads, lush green paddy fields, and beautiful views of the river, holds a special place in the hearts of many. The road side vendors selling cucumber, tender coconut, nongu (Ice apple), poori urundai, and other delicacies are also a fond memory that will be missed. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride, but don’t forget to pay the toll gate fee! The Needamangalan’s will give a sigh of relief since they don’t have to negotiate with 32 wheelers passing through their narrow lanes anymore. And when the railway gates are down, it’s like playing Russian Roulette with your schedule. But with some adventure riding experience and a bit of luck, you’ll be able to transverse through the by-lanes like a pro. In conclusion, the new bypass road may be faster and more efficient, but it can never replace the memories and experiences of the old road. So, enjoy the journey and cherish the memories!”.

The journey from Thanjavur to Karaikal is a tale of two roads. The old road, winding through the countryside, was filled with potholes, bumps, and railway gates. The railway gates, in particular, can cause significant delays, especially when they are closed.

I had transversed almost 10 alternate routes after so much of soul searching and adventure off roading which covered Thiruthuraipoondi, Mannargudi, Kodavasal, Kumbakonam , Thittai etc (Phew ! this will shame even professional offroaders) to reach Thanjavur finally settling for the Nagore, Kangalancheri , Vadamattam, Ammaippan route off late.

This highway was in Construction for more than a decade now giving us hopes and at least it now almost ready except for 2 bypasses near Ammaippan and Ammapettai which should be over soon. Don’t be overjoyed though since the Toll gate is also coming up so you need to pay to relish the road!

However, after almost two decades of traversing this road almost every week where subconsciously my body and soul had memorized every bend , nook and corner, potholes and tea shops , a new bypass road has been constructed by passing Needamangalam to Koradecheri as a whole , which avoids the 4 railway gates and saves much hardship and time wastage during railway crossings comes as sigh of relief to motorists especially to our fellow VMMC ..ians. …

While the new road is undoubtedly an improvement, it is not without its drawbacks. The old road, with its Tamarind trees ( planted by the British) , serpentine roads, lush green paddy fields, and beautiful views of the river, holds a special place in the hearts of many.

The road side vendors selling cucumber, tender coconut, nongu ( Ice apple ) , poori urundai, and other delicacies are also a fond memory that will be missed.

The Needamangalan’s will give a sigh of relief since they don’t have to negotiate with 32 wheelers passing through their narrow lanes indeed ! And don’t ask me what happens when there is rail crossing and gates down …you should be an expert to transverse through the by lanes with some adventure riding experience to cross this town , which at times may take upto an hour if your unlucky to have got stuck in all 3 gates on any given day!

In conclusion, the new bypass road may be faster and more efficient by at least 30 minutes of reduced timing, but it cannot replace the memories and experiences of the old road.

The journey from Thanjavur to Karaikal is a bittersweet tale of progress and nostalgia.

Dedicated to all the Motorists riding through Needamangalam !

Dr. K. Mohamed Ali, a professor at Vinayaka Missions Medical College Karaikal and with lots of free time to pen this article and has been transversing this route every week since 2007, has had a lifetime of experiences on this road.

Disclaimer : The author of this article neither endorses nor supports any of the parties involved in the above article. The author has not been sponsored or given a treat for writing this article. This article is intended for fun only, and if it made you laugh, please give it a like and share it with your friends.