The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has opened a ₹21-crore vehicular underpass on Chennai - Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) at Kadaneri village near Pallikonda toll plaza on Saturday for public use.

NHAI officials said the new underpass was the last identified black spot (accident-prone spots) on the stretch in Vellore. “The new underpass will help pedestrians, who are mostly dairy farmers, to cross the stretch safely. Ambulances can also use the underpass to help reach victims on time,” a NHAI official told The Hindu.

Of the total 13 black spots between Walajah toll gate in Ranipet and Krishnagiri, a distance of 148 km, five accident-prone spots are located in Vellore district. Of this, new underpasses were opened at Perumugai, Vettuvannan, Kinnimangalam, and Vallaram villages. The underpass at Kandaneri was the last facility to be opened. “LED lights, reflectors, signages, and blinkers should be installed on the new elevated corridor to ensure safety of motorists during night,” said B. Sampath, a motorist.

NHAI officials said that the new vehicular underpass below the elevated corridor is 5.5 metres in height and 20-metre-wide. The elevated corridor above the underpass is around 800-metre-long.

The new underpass can accommodate two-wheelers, cars and vans. The stretch has a few government schools, primary healthcare centres and car service centres.

At present, the stretch between Krishnagiri and Walajapet (Ranipet district), a distance of 148 km, has over 20 such underpasses, a NHAI official said.