Service Lane on Chennai-Bengaluru Highway Reopened for Traffic

Fast Summary

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) restored the service lane of the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48) near Green Circle in Vellore after waterlogging due to a lake breach.
• Heavy overnight rains since monday inundated low-lying areas within Vellore limits, including Shenbakkam and Kansalpet.Surya Kulam lake’s water level increased substantially.
• Stormwater drains near the service lane failed to handle excessive rainwater, causing stagnation in critical areas, impacting traffic.
• Motorists faced severe delays; poor illumination on the service lane further contributed to driving risks.
• Ambulances,government buses,school vans,and other vehicles rely heavily on this corridor. Motorists urged permanent solutions for safer passage during rainy periods.
• NHAI personnel used high-power pumps to remove stagnant water and plans new drainage construction-a 1.2 km stretch-connected to existing culverts directed towards Palar River.

indian Opinion Analysis

The recurring issue of waterlogging and poor infrastructure along NH-48 highlights broader concerns about urban planning and disaster preparedness in Indian cities like Vellore. While temporary measures such as deploying pumps alleviate immediate challenges, long-term systemic improvements are essential for safeguarding crucial transportation corridors from future disruptions. The upcoming drainage project by NHAI is a positive step that underscores an acknowledgment of persistent problems; however,its execution will be key to ensuring sustainable results.strengthening stormwater management systems across regions prone to heavy rainfall should be prioritized nationwide as increasingly irregular climatic events challenge existing infrastructure capacities. Collaborative involvement between agencies like NHAI and municipal corporations can also foster quicker responsiveness for commuters who endure risks like reduced visibility or inundation during meaningful rain events.

Read more at The Hindu