State Highways requests NHAI to construct a vehicular underpass to access VIT High Road

The proposed vehicular underpass will connect Sathuvacari – VIT High Road with Chennai – Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) in Vellore city. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The State Highways Department has written to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) requesting the national agency to construct a vehicular underpass near the collector to connect the newly opened Sathuvacari – VIT High Road with the Chennai – Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) in Vellore city.

Officials of the State Roads Department, which is managing the ₹90 crore VIT Road, said the new four-lane stretch connects Sathuvacari village and Kangeyanallur near the VIT campus. It helped unblock Katpadi and surrounding villages. “The proposed underpass for cars at the junction of these two stretches will help motorists travel safely without obstructing movement on the state highway. An application has been made to the NHAI in this regard,” R. Poovarasan, Assistant Engineer (AE), State Highways, told The Hindu.

Motorists travel two km to take a ‘U’ turn to reach VIT road after Sathuvacari – VIT High Road is opened.

They said that access to the new VIT Road still remains a challenge for them. Highway officials said the need for a vehicular underpass near VIT Road was highlighted in a review meeting on traffic, law and order chaired by Collector PS Leena Alex at the Collectorate recently. “The service lane of the state highway is narrow due to obstructions. The new underpass will provide direct access to VIT Road and avoid a long detour for senior citizens and women,” said G. Manjunath, a motorist.

NHAI officials said a proposal to build a new underpass for vehicles is under consideration. A detailed feasibility study will be conducted that analyzes various factors including traffic management, vehicle movement on the route, accident prevention and alternative routes.

Published – 30 Aug 2026 05:30 IST