NHAI opens new elevated corridor on Chennai-Bengaluru Highway in Ranipet

NHAI opens an elevated corridor on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway, enhancing safety and easing traffic congestion in Ranipet.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Monday opened the new elevated corridor above the ₹22-crore vehicular underpass on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) in Ranipet for public use, bringing relief to motorists.

NHAI officials said the new elevated corridor would ease traffic congestion on the service lanes of the stretch. It would also prevent accidents, especially at night, they added. “For now, ambulances and government buses are allowed to use the elevated corridor. Lighting work on the median and installation of reflectors and signages would be carried out in the coming weeks,” an NHAI official told The Hindu.

Motorists said that earlier, the dust from the carriageway of the corridor had affected visibility, especially at night. “The NHAI should install streetlights on the elevated corridor immediately to prevent accidents, as a large number of vehicles are using the facility. Railings should be installed on both sides of the ramp to prevent vehicles from cutting into the service lane from the corridor,” said V. Mohan, a motorist.

The underpass below the elevated corridor is 4.5 metres high and 20 metres wide. It can accommodate two-wheelers, cars, and buses. The arrangement would help reduce the number of ‘U’ turns on the stretch and prevent accidents. The stretch has a few government schools, primary health centres, and car service centres.

Residents said the new facility would help students, office-goers, farmers, and vehicles such as school vans and ambulances cross the accident-prone stretch safely.