The VR Subbubulaxmi collector together with the police and Nhai checked officials on the highway. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Indian National Authority for the highway (NHAI) launched work on closing illegal gaps between the median along the Chennai-Bengalur (NH 44) in Vellore to avoid accidents.
This step comes after two Jaywalkers were killed after being hit by vehicles on a raised corridor in the section, between a pantograph and a green circle, a few days ago. “Jaywalkers will also crawl into the median gaps. We have identified such large gaps and have taken steps to close them …”, said Nhai Hindu official.
On Wednesday evening, the VR Subbubulaxmi collector together with police and Nhai inspected the clerks where the pedestrians were killed. She ordered officials to take security measures and to close such gaps.
The police said that at least 10 persons were killed in the section per month.
Road users pointed out that Jaywalking was a risk for them. In addition, many omnibuses between Chennai and Bangalore stopped on a road near such illegal crossings to select and drop long distance passengers. “Omnibus are patiently waiting for passengers to choose from passengers, especially near Konavattam. It is irony that the new bus term is only about 500 meters from such illegal pickup places,” said K. Vetri, a motorist.
Currently, officials have also stated that the highway between Krishnagiri and Walajapet (Ranipeta) is maintained by the L&T on behalf of Nhai for a 30 -year agreement. In the last few weeks, a full segment relay has been made. Work includes passing a bitumen road to a height of 40 mm, replacement of damaged median steel, road marks and removal of shrubs in an area around the mean value.
Nhai officials also stated that approximately 30 illegal gaps on the median were identified along the section between Konavattam and Perumugai and the Border Village in Vellore to prevent Jaywalking. The gaps will be closed with steel railing.
Published – May 16 2025 12:35
