National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has resumed work on the elevated corridor of Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) at Melvisharam, near Arcot town in Ranipet. Move aims to ease traffic headaches for many drivers stuck on narrow service lanes due to unfinished bridge .
Construction stalled mainly over bitumen shortage,needed for the carriageway. An NHAI official said bridge section towards Chennai is now being blacktopped. “Motorists can use new bridge once work is done in next few days,” official mentioned.
The ₹22-crore project had already opened Bengaluru-bound carriageway before Tamil Nadu Assembly elections,easing some traffic. But the Chennai-bound stretch hit delays after tar prices spiked,linked to Middle East conflicts. So drivers to Chennai stuck with a cramped 30-foot-wide service lane, causing big jams,especially for ambulances and long buses during rush hours.
“Resuming blacktopping on unfinished bridge is good news as opening it will make travel safer,” said G. Ponram, a local driver. He stressed need for safety measures like reflectors, blinkers,signage on new bridge .
Elevated bridge includes an underpass for local residents’ safe crossing . Underpass, 4.5 meters high and 20 meters wide, part of broader plan to fix accident-prone areas identified by police. NHAI officials say new structures placed at these "black spots."
Meanwhile,existing service lane towards Chennai badly worn out, potholes endangering all vehicles, from ambulances to school buses. Situation led Ranipet Collector N . Priya to tell local police: push NHAI to speed up bridge opening towards Bengaluru, aiming for smoother traffic and better safety for everyone…
