VIT to install 65 LED street lights on Sathuvacari-VIT High Road in Vellore to prevent accidents

Highway officials said the new stretch falls under Vellore corporation and Brahmapuram village panchayat limits. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) will install at least 65 octagonal LED street lights on the recently opened Sathuvacari – VIT High Road at a cost of ₹ 90 crore at the Chennai – Bengaluru National Highway (NH 48), near the Collectorate in Vellore to avoid accidents.

State Highway Authority officials said that of the total 3.2 km of the new stretch, only the new Palar River Bridge has bright LED street lights with paved pavements and a median.

PS Collector Leela Alex discussed the safety of motorists on the new stretch during a law and order review meeting with stakeholders including the police, state highway officials, revenue and transport departments. “Apart from other amenities, new LED street lights are part of the new bridge project. However, according to norms, street lights on the rest of the stretch should be installed and maintained by the concerned civic bodies,” S. Poovarasan, Assistant Engineer (AE), State Highways (Vellore), told The Hindu.

VIT’s initiative comes after a report by The Hindu highlighted the plight of hundreds of motorists and pedestrians using the new stretch without street lights. “With the northeast monsoon, street lights on the new stretch remain key to ensure the safety of road users. Students and office goers regularly use the stretch to reach Katpadi and Old Town in Vellore,” said R. Sarath, a motorist.

Highway officials said the new stretch falls under Vellore corporation and Brahmapuram village panchayat limits. As part of the initiative, VIT has agreed to install street lights as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. After that, these street lights will be maintained by the concerned civic bodies. Civic associations will also pay electricity fees.

Each LED street light will cost between ₹50,000 and ₹55,000.

The bridge was built 20 feet above the dry river bed.

Published – 14 Oct 2026 23:41 IST