Hindi on Tamil Nadu Highways Signboard Sparks Controversy, Two Engineers Suspended

October 2, 2026

Chennai, Tamil Nadu:  A controversy erupted in Sathankulam in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district after Hindi lettering was found on a directional signboard installed by the State Highways Department. Following the controversy, an Assistant Executive Engineer and an Assistant Engineer of the department were placed under temporary suspension.

The signboard was installed near the Thiruchendur Road junction, close to the Karumeni River bridge in Sathankulam, after a new road was constructed between Sathankulam and Nazareth by the State Highways Department.

The directional board displays arrows indicating routes to Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur, Alwarthirunagari and Tirunelveli. The names of the places were displayed first in Tamil, followed by Hindi and then English.

Hindi Signage Sparks Controversy in Sathankulam

Directional signboards installed by the State Highways Department in most locations generally carry lettering in Tamil and English. Hindi lettering has also appeared at some locations, usually as the last language.

However, the Sathankulam signboard drew attention because Hindi appeared immediately after Tamil, prompting questions over the use of Hindi on a signboard installed by the Tamil Nadu Government.

The issue subsequently gained traction on social media. DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin and PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, among others, criticised the inclusion of Hindi and questioned whether the State Government was promoting the use of the language.

Hindi Lettering Removed From Signboard

Tamil Nadu has witnessed protests in the past over the use of Hindi on signboards along National Highways in the state. Following the latest controversy, demands were raised for an inquiry into how the Hindi lettering came to be included on the State Highways Department signboard and for action against those responsible.

Amid the controversy, the Hindi lettering was subsequently removed from the signboard.

The Assistant Executive Engineer and Assistant Engineer of the Highways Department were also placed under temporary suspension in connection with the issue.