Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) will install at least 65 octagonal LED streetlights on the recently opened ₹90-crore Sathuvachari - VIT High Road, off Chennai - Bengaluru National Highway (NH 48), near the Collectorate in Vellore to prevent accidents.

Officials of the State Highways Department said that of the total 3.2 km of the new stretch, only the new bridge across Palar River has bright LED streetlights with tiled footpaths and a median.

Collector P.S. Leela Alex discussed the safety of motorists on the new stretch during a review meeting of Law and Order with stakeholders, including the police, officials of the State Highways, revenue, and transport departments. “Among other amenities, new LED streetlights form part of the project for the new bridge. However, as per norms, streetlights on the rest of the stretch should be installed and maintained by the respective civic bodies,” S. Poovarasan, Assistant Engineer (AE), State Highways (Vellore), told The Hindu. 

The initiative by VIT comes after The Hindu report, highlighted the plight of hundreds of motorists and pedestrians in using the new stretch without streetlights. “With the Northeast monsoon, streetlights on the new stretch remain key to ensure safety of road users. Students and officegoers use the stretch regularly to reach Katpadi and Old Town in Vellore town,” said R. Sarath, a motorist.

Highways officials said that the new stretch falls under the limits of the Vellore Corporation and the Brahmapuram village panchayat. Under the initiative, VIT has agreed to install the streetlights under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Thereafter, these streetlights will be maintained by respective civic bodies. Electricity charges will also be paid by the civic bodies.

Each LED streetlight will cost between ₹50,000 and ₹55,000.  

The bridge has been built at a height of 20 feet from the dry riverbed.