NHAI begins work on Phase-II of new pedestrian subway on Chennai – Bengaluru Highway in Vellore

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has commenced work on the second and final phase of the construction of the ₹7.5-crore pedestrian subway below the elevated bridge of Chennai – Bengaluru Highway (NH:48) near Green Circle, a roundabout in Vellore on Thursday.

The NHAI officials said that under phase-I, one half of the new underpass had been completed. It comes near the new bus terminus on the service lane of the stretch. Work to complete the remaining portion of the new facility has been taken up under the second phase of the multi-crore project.

“Once completed, the new subway will end a de-tour of at least one km for motorists. It will also provide a safe passage for pedestrians, especially commuters from the new bus terminus. The entire subway will be ready in a few months,” said a NHAI official.

As per plan, the new pedestrian subway will be 25 metres long, 5.5 metres wide and three metres in height. It will have facilities to discharge excess rainwater, CCTV cameras, LED streetlights, reflectors, sign boards and ramps for persons with disabilities.

Steel railings will be provided to ensure safety of walkers especially senior citizens, women and children. “The new subway should be completed at the earliest because at present, crossing the Green Circle roundabout remains risky due to continuous movement of vehicles,” said G. Suganthi, a resident.

As per a study carried out by the district police, on an average 80-100 vehicles, including government buses, ambulances, lorries, trucks and two-wheelers pass through the Green Circle below the elevated bridge every minute, especially during rush hour.

In fact, the Green Circle is one of the identified ‘black spots’ within Vellore Corporation limits. These black spots are accident-prone zones based on reports submitted by the police to the district administration.

Corporation officials said that the new subway would help to save precious lives. On an average, around 10 accidents, mostly involving pedestrians, have been reported near the Green Circle area every month.

In order to facilitate smooth flow of work for the phase-II of the subway construction, an alternative traffic arrangement has been enforced. Accordingly, only light vehicles such as two-wheelers, auto rickshaws and cars were being allowed to use the service lane to proceed towards Green Circle. Other vehicles have to use the carriageway of Chennai – Bengaluru Highway.

Vehicles proceeding towards Green Circle should turn left to go towards National Theatre roundabout where they can take a ‘U’ turn to proceed towards the new bus terminus, Katpadi, Collectorate office and Sathuvachari along the highway.

Vehicles coming from Katpadi and the new bus terminus can use the existing route near the Green Circle to go to Old Town areas within Vellore Corporation limits.