Completion of crucial elevated bridge on Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) in Ranipet faces delays. Skyrocketing bitumen prices are causing headaches for local commuters. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is in charge of ₹22 crore project,but costs linked to conflict in West Asia have stalled black topping of carriageway.
Hundreds of motorists now squeeze through narrow service lane,just 30 feet wide. Congestion swells during peak hours, trapping ambulances,buses. “With poor streetlights and inadequate safety measures,service lane poses risks for drivers,especially as locals cross with cattle in evenings,” said S. Vinoth,a concerned motorist.
Drivers report service lane,about six meters wide, is riddled with potholes for over month. This adds danger for vehicles and pedestrians. And excess rainwater from abandoned stone quarries drains into residential areas, key roadways,causing knee-deep waterlogging along service lane.
Ranipet Collector N . Priya urged local police to pressure NHAI to speed up bridge completion. Traffic congestion needs relief, safety needs boost . NHAI admits delays,final bitumen layer, streetlights,strengthening of bridge's retaining wall still pending.
“We are monitoring situation closely,awaiting stabilization in bitumen prices,” an NHAI official said. Until then,commuters deal with incomplete infrastructure, hazardous service lane conditions…
