Sat Apr 26 18:55:35 UTC 2025: ## Highway Safety Upgrade Following Fatal Accident on Chennai-Bengaluru Highway
**Vellore, Tamil Nadu, April 27, 2025** – The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched an initiative to improve safety on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 44) following a fatal accident. A 71-year-old motorcyclist died after falling from a bridge near the Vellore Collectorate last week.
The NHAI is increasing the height of retaining walls on over 50 bridges along the 148km stretch between Krishnagiri and Walajapet by three feet, bringing the total height to five feet. Additional safety measures include the installation of steel railings, reflectors, blinkers, and improved road markings.
The accident highlighted a safety concern created by recent highway resurfacing work. The relaying of the bitumen carriageway increased the road’s height, effectively lowering the relative height of the existing retaining walls to just two feet, posing a significant risk, particularly at night. The work, currently being undertaken by L&T, also includes replacing damaged steel medians and clearing vegetation.
Collector V.R. Subbulaxmi visited the accident site and ordered the immediate implementation of the safety upgrades. Work has already begun on several bridges, with some in Tirupattur district already completed. NHAI officials confirmed that the project aims to enhance safety for all road users.
First Piper 