The service lane of the Chennai-Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48) has been officially reopened by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI),following significant upgrades aimed at enhancing safety and preventing flooding. Located near Christian Medical College in Puttuthakku village, the newly relaid lane was opened to public on Wednesday,after a thorough renovation using cement concrete.
Heavy rainfall during the monsoon season in December 2025 had severely damaged the previous bitumen surface, particularly on the Bengaluru-bound side . Excess water from abandoned quarries inundated the area,leading to the washing away of the top layer of the carriageway. This left lane riddled with potholes,rendering it impassable for motorists. An NHAI official noted that traffic was halted due to the hazardous conditions,which persisted for months.
In response to the damage,NHAI undertook patchwork repairs a few months ago to allow limited access. However, the authority recognized the need for a more durable solution and opted to construct a concrete carriageway to withstand future weather challenges. R. Gowri Sankar, local motorist, welcomed the reopening, emphasizing the importance of safety during monsoon and suggesting the installation of improved street lighting and reflectors .
The newly constructed service lane spans 300 meters in length and 20 feet in width,accommodating various vehicles, including buses. Construction work commenced after Assembly elections in April,with traffic diverted to a newly opened elevated corridor on the highway during this period. project involved milling the existing surface into smaller sections, filling them with bluemetal to a depth of two feet, and laying a one-foot thick concrete mixture.
After a month-long curing process,the newly laid stretch underwent inspections to ensure structural integrity and prevent cracking. NHAI officials stated that the concrete design will facilitate the efficient drainage of excess rainwater into nearby canals and lakes, ultimately flowing into the Palar River without disrupting traffic flow . This proactive measure aims to prevent the recurrence of previous flooding issues.
Prior to the renovations, service lane was heavily utilized by various vehicles, including government buses,autorickshaws,cars,and two-wheelers. Farmers also relied on this route to transport their produce to government procurement centers in nearby towns such as Arcot, Walajah, and Vellore. Ambulance drivers faced significant challenges navigating the bumpy surface, often transporting patients to the nearest hospitals, including CMC. On average,8 to 10 ambulances used this stretch daily,underscoring its critical role in emergency services.
