Bengaluru-Chennai Expressway: New Underpasses on NH 44 Bring Relief to Commuters

In a major relief for commuters, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has opened a six-lane elevated corridor on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 44) in Ambur town, Tirupattur district. The newly built structure, inaugurated on Wednesday, aims to decongest traffic and provide a smoother ride for motorists on this busy stretch.

Key Features of the Elevated Corridor

The 1.5 km-long elevated corridor has been built by a private infrastructure firm on behalf of NHAI. Officials say the project will help ease congestion and improve road safety, especially in accident-prone areas. Both local commuters and long-distance travellers are expected to benefit from the improved traffic flow.

Project Background and Cost

First approved in 2011, the corridor has been constructed at a cost of ₹135 crore. It runs between the Rajiv Gandhi Statue and ORR Theatre, covering a part of the highway that has long struggled with heavy traffic and road safety concerns.

The highway divides the area, with residential colonies on one side and key public utilities like a bus terminus, government hospitals, schools, banks, and offices on the other. Until now, people had to take a long 2-3 km detour to cross safely, particularly at night when fast-moving vehicles made crossing the road risky.

Design and Safety Features

The elevated corridor stretches 1,450 metres and has an 11-metre-wide main carriageway. On either side, there are 8-metre-wide service roads to accommodate two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws, and smaller vehicles.

To enhance safety, the structure is equipped with:

• Stormwater drains
• High-mast lamps
• LED streetlights
• Reflectors and warning signboards

These features aim to improve visibility and make travel safer for all road users.

New Underpasses to Improve Connectivity

To further reduce congestion, NHAI has also built three vehicular underpasses at Vengili, Girisamudiram, and Minnur villages near Ambur. These underpasses, each 12 metres wide and 5.5 metres high, are large enough to accommodate buses and trucks, providing local commuters with a safe alternative to crossing the highway. The project, completed at a cost of ₹34 crore, is expected to benefit thousands of people in the region.

Traffic Volume and Expected Impact

According to NHAI's traffic study, more than 75,000 vehicles, mostly trucks and container lorries, use this stretch daily to travel between Chennai and Bengaluru. The elevated corridor is expected to ease congestion, reduce travel time, and make the highway safer for everyone.

With these new developments, commuters can expect a more seamless journey, while authorities hope to see a reduction in road accidents and traffic jams in the area.