The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has re-laid the pot-holed service lane of Chennai - Bengaluru National Highway (NH-48) near Christian Medical College (CMC) at Puttuthakku, a border village on Vellore-Ranipet districts with bitumen on Wednesday, bringing relief to hundreds of motorists on the route every day.

The action by NHAI comes after The Hindu‘s report highlighted the plight of motorists, especially ambulances and government buses, in using the stretch towards Chennai. The service lane measures 20-metres-wide and 300-metres-long.

“Sourcing bitumen, a key raw material, has been a challenge that led to delay in re-laying of the service lane. Safety features like reflectors and warning signages will be installed soon,” said an NHAI official.

Motorists have welcomed re-laying of the stretch as they have been struggling to use the stretch to reach both the sides of the carriageway. With no separate footpath and increased height of the existing storm water drain, pedestrians were also severely affected as they had to walk on the uneven carriageway of the stretch. “We appreciate re-laying of the badly damaged service lane by NHAI. Steps should be taken to prevent rash driving on the newly re-laid service lane,” said S. Ramesh, a motorist.