The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has started demolishing illegal shop extensions and eateries on the narrow service lane of NH‑48 near Sathuvachari, Vellore. The move aims to restore the lane’s original width, ease traffic congestion and ensure smoother passage for government buses and emergency vehicles.

Key Takeaways

  • NHAI has launched a demolition drive covering at least 2 km of the service lane in Vellore.
  • Shops and roadside eateries had encroached up to 1.5 m into the original 7‑m lane.
  • The clearance work is slated to finish within a week, improving flow for buses and ambulances.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) began tearing down illegal structures on the service lane of the Chennai‑Bengaluru National Highway (NH‑48) near the Collectorate in Sathuvachari, Vellore, on Thursday. The demolition targets concrete pillars, metal rooftops, and unauthorized extensions that have narrowed the lane, creating bottlenecks for public transport and emergency services.

Originally seven metres wide, the lane has been squeezed by commercial outlets extending their premises by up to 1.5 metres. As a result, government town buses, ambulances and other public vehicles face severe delays, especially during peak hours. NHAI officials said the action follows repeated complaints from motorists and pedestrians about chaotic traffic conditions.

Read Also:Delhi Metro Reopens Gates at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat

In addition to shop extensions, several structures have been erected over closed storm‑water drains. Those are also being removed, and the three‑foot‑wide, four‑foot‑deep drain will be levelled with the road surface, providing a dedicated footpath for pedestrians and freeing up more carriageway for motorists.

Historical Background

Encroachment on Indian national highways has been a chronic issue, particularly in rapidly urbanising corridors where land values soar. Past NHAI initiatives—such as the 2022 Pune‑Mumbai Expressway clearance—demonstrated that systematic removal of illegal structures can significantly reduce travel time and accident rates.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that regular removal of encroachments not only cuts travel time but also leads to a measurable drop in road‑traffic accidents. Restoring the service lane’s full width will boost the logistical efficiency of the Vellore‑Chennai‑Bengaluru corridor, benefiting local commerce and the broader national economy.

"Reinstating a safe service lane is a critical step for public transport reliability and long‑term traffic management," said a road‑planning expert.
Did You Know?: Only about 30% of India’s national highways are fully four‑lane, while the remaining 70% rely on single‑carriageway sections that are prone to congestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When will the demolition work be completed?
A: NHAI expects the clearance of the targeted 2 km stretch to be finished within a week.

Q2: Will private vehicles be allowed to use the service lane after the work?
A: No, the service lane will remain reserved for government buses and emergency vehicles only.