Chennai-Bengaluru Highway Upgrade: Vellore Witnesses The Start Of New Four-Lane Bypass

The commencement of preliminary work for the construction of a new bypass, featuring a high-level bridge over the Palar River in Vellore, along the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 44), marks the realization of a longstanding demand from residents.

According to officials from the Department of Highways, the new four-lane bypass will span a distance of 3 km, connecting the service lane of the highway at Sathuvachari within Vellore Corporation limits to Kangeyanallur village near VIT in the Katpadi area. The Construction and Maintenance (C&M) wing of the State Highways is undertaking the project.

The project also includes the construction of a new high-level bridge across the Palar River, situated at the center of the bypass stretch. Assistant Engineer R. Poovarasan stated, "We have started the initial work of clearing vegetation on the acquired land (70,775 sq.m). The bypass and the bridge will be ready by the end of 2025."

As per the plan, the bypass, estimated to cost ₹90 crore, will be completed in 24 months. The four-lane carriageway of the bypass will be 15 meters wide, including a 2.5-meter median. This stretch is expected to accommodate more vehicles than the existing Katpadi flyover, which is a two-lane, one-way route. Once finished, the new bypass stretch is projected to cater to a minimum of 17,250 vehicles daily.

The new four-lane bridge, measuring 475 meters in length and 15 meters in width, will feature at least 19 pillars across the Palar River. Standing at least three meters higher than the existing Katpadi flyover built-in 2009, the bridge is designed to prevent damage to its structure and avoid inundation to its carriageway. In other words, the bridge will be constructed at a height of 20 ft from the dry river bed.