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.
