.In a major boost to the connectivity and development of the region, the preliminary work for the construction of a new bypass and a high-level bridge over the Palar River in Vellore has begun. The project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, will link the city with the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 44), one of the busiest and most important highways in the country.
The new bypass, which will span a distance of 3 km, will connect the service lane of the highway at Sathuvachari within Vellore Corporation limits to Kangeyanallur village near VIT in the Katpadi area. The bypass will have a four-lane carriageway, with a width of 15 meters, including a 2.5-meter median. The bypass will also feature a new high-level bridge across the Palar River, which will be 475 meters long and 15 meters wide, with at least 19 pillars.
The project, which is estimated to cost Rs 90 crore, is being undertaken by the Construction and Maintenance (C&M) wing of the State Highways. According to R Poovarasan, Assistant Engineer of the C&M wing, the initial work of clearing vegetation on the acquired land (70,775 sq.m) has started, and the tender process for the construction work will be completed soon.
The new bypass and bridge will provide a crucial link for the commuters, especially those travelling between Chennai and Bengaluru, as well as the local residents of Vellore and its surrounding areas. The bypass will reduce the traffic congestion and pollution in the city, as well as the travel time and fuel consumption for the vehicles. The bridge will be constructed at a height of 20 ft from the dry river bed, ensuring that it does not get damaged or inundated during floods.
The project, which has been a long-standing demand of the people of Vellore, will also boost the economic and social development of the region, as it will facilitate the movement of goods and services, as well as the tourism and education sectors. The project is expected to cater to a minimum of 17,250 vehicles daily, and will also create employment opportunities for the local people.
The project is part of the larger plan to upgrade the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway, which is being implemented by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The plan involves widening the existing four-lane highway to six lanes, constructing new bypasses, flyovers, underpasses, and service roads, and improving the safety and quality of the highway. The plan, which is estimated to cost Rs 3,000 crore, is expected to be completed by 2026.
