Motorists and pedestrians have demanded National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to commence work on the proposed Foot Over Bridge (FOB) at five identified ‘black spots’, which are referred as accident prone spots, on the Chennai - Bengaluru Highway (NH 48), in Vellore without further delay to prevent accidents, mainly involving walkers.

Motorists said that the busy stretch has many small openings on the median between the carriageway and service lane for pedestrians to cross the stretch. However, the opening does not have adequate safety features like pedestrian markings, warning signages for motorists to alert them in advance to go slow on the stretch. “Pedestrians, especially women and senior citizens, have to risk themselves in crossing the stretch especially during evening hours as vehicles do not halt for them to cross the carriageway. NHAI should at least have some safety measures before setting up FOBs on the route,” said R. Subash, a motorist.

Motorists said that after the opening of a hillock temple at Vasur village along the stretch, a small opening was provided by NHAI to allow devotees to reach bus stops on both sides of the stretch. However, the spot lacks pedestrian markings, reflectors and other safety features to caution motorists on the need to drive slowly at the pedestrian crossing. It has resulted in frequent accidents at the spot. Collector V.R. Subbulaxmi should intervene to fasten the process to build bridges on the stretch soon, they said. 

NHAI officials said that Vasur is one of the five identified ‘black spots’ where a new Foot Over Bridge (FOB) has been proposed. Other areas on the route are Poigai, Melmanavur near Sri Lankan Rehabilitation Camp, Vallalar Nagar and Rangapuram. Most of these spots are dotted with thick habitations on both sides of the carriageway. As a result, pedestrians cross the carriageway regularly. It obstructs traffic flow and accidents occur on the route.

As per plan, each new FOB will have around 20 staircases on each side along the service lane of the stretch. Each facility, on an average, will cost around Rs 1.8 crore. Shelters will be provided on the bridge with lights and CCTV cameras.

Both sides of the bridge will be fenced to prevent any accidental fall on the carriageway below the new facility. Ramps will be provided for persons with disabilities. Lifts will also be provided, mostly for senior citizens and women. “The major reason for delay in commencement of the bridge work was due to the existence of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) as part of Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as senior district officials, who have to coordinate with NHAI for the work, were busy with polls. Steps will be taken to start bridge work soon,” said a NHAI official.