The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has officially reopened the reconstructed service lane near Vellore on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway. The new concrete surface aims to prevent monsoon flooding and road erosion.

Key Takeaways

  • NHAI has reopened the service lane near CMC, Puttuthakku village.
  • The road has been upgraded from bitumen to cement concrete for durability.
  • The 300m stretch is vital for ambulances, local farmers, and public transport.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has opened the reconstructed service lane of the Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48) near Puttuthakku village, close to the Christian Medical College (CMC), for public use this Wednesday. The upgrade specifically addresses the recurring issue of waterlogging and road damage during the monsoon season.

The decision to re-lay the carriageway with cement concrete follows a significant incident in December 2025, where the previous bitumen layer was washed away by excess rainwater from abandoned quarries. This had left the stretch riddled with massive potholes, severely disrupting traffic flow and posing risks to motorists.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this infrastructure upgrade is a critical lifeline for the Vellore region. The service lane, measuring 300 meters in length and 20 feet in width, accommodates heavy vehicles including buses and tractors. By switching to concrete, NHAI ensures that excess rainwater can discharge into nearby canals and lakes without eroding the road surface.

The transition to a concrete carriageway is a proactive measure to ensure motorist safety during heavy monsoon spells.

The impact of the previous damaged state was most felt by ambulance drivers, who reported immense difficulty transporting patients to CMC and nearby government hospitals. With approximately 8-10 ambulances utilizing this stretch daily, the new smooth surface is a significant improvement for emergency medical services.

Historical Background

Following the monsoon damage in late 2025, NHAI initially implemented patchwork to maintain connectivity. However, recognizing the inadequacy of bitumen in flood-prone areas, a full reconstruction project was initiated after the April Assembly polls, involving deep milling and a two-foot layer of bluemetal before laying the concrete.

Did You Know?: Concrete roads are preferred in flood-prone zones because they offer higher resistance to water erosion compared to traditional asphalt.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where exactly is the new service lane located?
It is located near Puttuthakku village, adjacent to the CMC hospital on the NH-48 highway in Vellore.

2. Why was the road changed from bitumen to concrete?
To prevent the road from being washed away by rainwater and to ensure better drainage during monsoons.