The initiative by NHAI comes within the wake of knee-deep water stagnation on the slim stretch as a consequence of rain. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

As a stop-gap measure, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Saturday commenced building of a small drain on the service lane of Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48) close to Green Circle, a roundabout beneath the elevated hall, in Vellore, to stop inundation of the carriageway throughout northeast monsoon.

The initiative by NHAI comes within the wake of knee-deep water stagnation on the slim stretch as a consequence of rain since Monday. Clogged drains and culverts on the stretch have blocked free move of water into close by water channels to move into Palar river.

Subsequently, together with NHAI, State Highways, Corporation officers, and Collector V.R. Subbulaxmi inspected the water-logged service lane. She directed NHAI to assemble the brand new drain to discharge stagnated rainwater from the carriageway. “The service lane, particularly close to the brand new bus terminus, is way decrease than its surrounding space. Excess rainwater that overflows from close by lakes will get stagnated on the stretch, affecting visitors motion,” R. Lakshmanan, Commissioner, Vellore Corporation, advised The Hindu.

As per plan, the small new prefabricated concrete drain will probably be 1.5 metres huge and one metre in depth. It will probably be linked to the prevailing stormwater drain on the stretch with Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), a distance of round 50 metres. The stormwater drain on the stretch will probably be cleaned to permit free move of rainwater into a brand new small drain. The total work will probably be accomplished in per week.

Corporation officers mentioned extra rainwater discharged into stormwater drains on the stretch will probably be carried to the STP by means of the brand new drain. Thereafter, water from the STP will move into Palar river. By this, civic officers mentioned that waterlogging on the carriageway of the service lane will probably be prevented throughout monsoon.

Prior to new drain work, NHAI used to pump out stagnated water on the service lane, utilizing high-power motor pump units to the close by STP. However, as a consequence of common rains, the work remained time-consuming and costlier. “The new drain to stop waterlogging on the stretch is a welcome step. Traffic on the stretch needs to be regulated to stop wrong-side driving,” mentioned S. Pooja, a motorist. 

Motorists mentioned that the stretch is a lifeline for all autos, together with ambulances, authorities buses, and faculty vans from Ranipet, Old Town in Vellore, Ambur, Arcot, and Tirupattur have to succeed in Katpadi and its surrounding areas.

Corporation officers mentioned that the National Highways wing of State Highways has given a proposal to the Collector to stop waterlogging on the stretch completely. As per the plan, the prevailing stormwater drain will probably be prolonged. A large culvert close to the Green Circle roundabout will probably be constructed to attach the prolonged drain to discharge rainwater into the river.

Published – October 19, 2025 05:45 am IST