Vellore Corporation begins UGDS work on NH

Traffic on the Cuddalore-Chittoor National Highway (NH) has been diverted, following the Underground Drainage System (UGDS) work, which began on the NH-234 from Wednesday.

After much delay, the Department of National Highways had given its nod to carry out the UGDS work on the NH, which stretches to around 3.65 km. This covers the Vellore-Arni Road, Anna Salai and Katpadi Road in the city.

The work would be carried out by the Corporation in four phases. The first phase would be from National Theatre to North Police Station, the second from North Police Station to Arya Bhavan, the third from Arya Bhavan to DSP Bungalow and the final phase from DSP Bungalow to Velapadi Bridge. On Wednesday, the local body conducted a pooja, to commence the UGDS work on the NH, after the road diversion plan was received. Earthmovers were brought to the spot and digging of the road began.

According to the new traffic diversion plan, all vehicles proceeding towards Makkan via National Theatre and CMC Hospital exit gate from Katpadi and New Bus Stand would be diverted via National Theatre, Old BypassRoad and Bangalore Road, to reach the Vellore Old Bus Stand. Officials said the first phase of the NH work would be completed in two months. They added that a total of 123 manholes on the NH, including 30 manholes in the first  phase would be buried.

Commissioner P Janaki Raveendran sought the cooperation of the public in carrying out the UGDS work successfully, which is one of the major projects, that had been envisaged for the public residing in the city.

The UGDS work in the city began towards the end of March, 2009. The whole project involves around 5.5 sq km, covering 24 wards coming under the Old Corporation limits. Areas between Saidapet Murugan temple and Long Bazaar were covered under package I, while in package II, areas from Vellore South Police Station till Velapadi were covered. The construction of the sewage treatment plant was included under package III. Officials said that more than 80 per cent of the UGDS work had been completed in the city so far.