Motorists are demanding installation of street lights on VIT High Road

Motorists said the new stretch laid by the state road department provides the shortest route to reach key government offices. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

Motorists demand street lights on the recently opened ₹ 90 crore Sathuvacari – VIT High Road off the Chennai – Bengaluru National Highway (NH 48), near the Collectorate in Vellore.

Motorists said the new stretch, laid by the state highway department, provides the shortest route to reach key government offices like the Collectorate, Superintendent of Police (SP), EPFO, banks and Vellore Corporation zonal office.

The section helped motorists avoid narrow sections. ”Ambulances are also using the new section to help victims get there in time, especially at night. Street lights will help ensure the safety of road users,” said G. Kumar, an ambulance driver.

Motorists said that out of the entire 3.2 km VIT road, only the new Palar river bridge on the stretch had bright LED street lights with paved pavements and median. The new four-lane bridge is 475 meters long and 15 meters wide.

The rest of the road remained dark at night with no street lights. “Crossing the new stretch at night is also risky due to speeding vehicles with flashing headlights. The stretch has no warning signs, reflectors, blinkers and other safety measures to limit speed,” said motorist E. Pavithra.

Officials of the state highways department, which manages the facility, said that as per norms, the installation of new street lights and their maintenance, including electricity charges, should be borne by the concerned civic bodies such as corporations and panchayats. “Despite being used by motorists, the stretch is not fully prepared in terms of road safety measures. Additional funds are needed to implement these safety measures,” said an official of the Ministry of Roads and Highways.

The new bridge on the stretch is three meters higher than the Katpadi flyover, which was built in 2009 to prevent damage to its structure and flooding of the road. The bridge was built 20 feet above the dry riverbed.

Published – 27 Sep 2026 23:04 IST