Motorists claim that the dust from the unfinished elevated passage above the subway affects clear visibility, especially at night | Photo credit: Special arrangement
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Saturday resumed work on the ₹22 crore vehicular underpass on the Chennai-Bengaluru highway (NH 48) at the new campus of the Christian Medical College (CMC) at Puttuthakku village near Arcot town in Ranipet.
This comes after The Hindu, in its January 2 news report, highlighted the plight of motorists using the narrow service lanes, especially those leading to Vellore. The previous contractor left the job a few weeks ago due to lack of funds. “We will work with the new contractor who has been roped in for the job in the coming days. However, the unfinished works like leveling the road and median section have started,” an NHAI official told The Hindu.
NHAI officials said the incomplete elevated passage under the new underpass has been closed to complete the remaining work. Traffic was diverted to service lanes in the section.
In the coming days NHAI will lay bitumen on the elevated part of the stretch. He will also install safety features such as blinkers, reflectors and signs. The median on the existing roadway will be extended into an elevated corridor. LED public lighting will be installed on both sides of the span.
According to the plan, the new car underpass will accommodate two-wheelers, cars and buses. Such an arrangement will help reduce the total number of existing U-turn points on the section to avoid accidents. The section has several government schools, primary health centers and auto repair shops.
Motorists reported that dust from the unfinished elevated passage above the subway affects clear visibility, especially at night. The concrete blocks held on both sides of the subway, which prevented motorists from using it, were removed.
As a result, motorists suddenly jump into the carriageway of the service lane from the incomplete underpass. “The new elevated corridor should be opened for traffic earlier as the Pongal festival holidays will witness heavy traffic on the busy stretch. Brake pads should be placed on the service lanes to prevent reckless driving,” said V. Prema, a motorist.
Published – 03 Jan 2026 20:20 IST
