NHAI resumes stalled ₹22 crore vehicular underpass work in Ranipet

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has resumed work for the ₹ 22 crore vehicular underpass on the Chennai – Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) at the new campus of Christian Medical College (CMC) in Puttuthakku village near Arcot town in Ranipet on Saturday.

This comes after The Hindu in its news report dated January 2 highlighted the plight of motorists in using narrow service lanes especially the ones that lead to Vellore. The previous contractor had abandoned the work due to lack of funds, several weeks ago. “We will work with the new contractor, who has been roped in for the job, in the coming days. However, incomplete works like levelling of carriageway and the median portion have commenced,” a NHAI official told The Hindu.

NHAI officials said that the incomplete elevated corridor below the new underpass has been closed to complete the remaining work. Traffic has been diverted to service lanes of the stretch. 

In the coming days, the NHAI will lay bitumen on the elevated portion of the stretch. It will also install safety features like blinkers, reflectors, and signages. The median on the existing carriageway will be extended to the elevated corridor. LED streetlights will be installed on both sides of the stretch. 

As per plan, the new vehicular underpass will accommodate two-wheelers, cars, and buses. Such an arrangement will help to reduce the total number of the existing U-turn spots on the stretch to prevent accidents. The stretch has a few government schools, primary healthcare centres, and car service centres.

Motorists said that dust from the incomplete elevated corridor above the subway affects clear visibility especially during night. Concrete blocks kept on both sides of the subway to prevent motorists from using it were removed.

As a result, motorists suddenly jump into the carriageway of the service lane from the incomplete subway. “The new elevated corridor should be opened for traffic sooner as holidays for Pongal festival will witness heavy flow of traffic on the busy stretch. Speed breakers should be laid on service lanes to prevent rash driving,” said V. Prema, a motorist.