The State Highways Department has urged NHAI to build an underpass connecting the new Sathuvachari-VIT High Road to NH 48 to ease motorist struggles.

  • State Highways has formally requested NHAI to build an underpass near the Collectorate.
  • The underpass aims to link the ₹90-crore Sathuvachari-VIT High Road with NH 48.
  • Motorists currently face a 2km detour to access the VIT campus road.

In a significant move to enhance regional connectivity, the State Highways Department has written to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) requesting the construction of a vehicular underpass in Vellore. This proposed infrastructure project is intended to connect the newly inaugurated Sathuvachari-VIT High Road with the bustling Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 48).

The ₹90-crore four-lane stretch, maintained by the State Highways Department, connects Sathuvachari to Kangeyanallur village near the VIT campus. While the road has successfully decongested the Katpadi area and surrounding villages, the lack of a direct link to the national highway remains a major bottleneck for commuters.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the current connectivity gap forces motorists to travel an additional two kilometers just to take a 'U' turn to access the VIT Road. This inefficiency not only leads to increased fuel consumption and travel time but also creates unnecessary congestion on secondary routes.

The proposed underpass will allow motorists to travel safely without obstructing the high-speed traffic movement on the national highway.

The necessity for this underpass was highlighted during a recent high-level review meeting on traffic and law and order, chaired by Collector P.S. Leena Alex. Local commuters, including senior citizens and women, have expressed concerns over the narrow service lanes of the national highway, which are currently hampered by encroachments.

Responding to the request, NHAI officials stated that the proposal is currently under consideration. A comprehensive feasibility study is expected to be conducted to evaluate traffic flow, accident prevention measures, and the integration of alternative routes to ensure seamless connectivity.

Did You Know?: The new VIT High Road was specifically designed to reduce the heavy traffic load on the Katpadi junction.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the underpass necessary for VIT High Road?
It provides direct access to the new road from NH 48, eliminating the need for a 2km detour.

2. What is the current status of the NHAI proposal?
The proposal is under consideration, and a detailed feasibility study will be undertaken soon.