Thu Jan 01 16:15:47 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and a news article version of the provided text:

Summary:

The incomplete underpass construction on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH48) in Puttuthakku village, Ranipet district, India, is causing significant traffic congestion and safety hazards. The initial contractor abandoned the ₹22 crore project due to financial issues, leaving the underpass mostly complete but unusable. Traffic is forced onto a narrow service lane and an incomplete elevated corridor, creating dust, poor visibility, and confusion for motorists. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to hire a new contractor to finish the remaining work within a month, which includes laying the final layer of the elevated corridor, installing safety features, and officially opening the underpass for vehicles. The completed underpass is expected to alleviate traffic issues, reduce U-turn spots, and improve pedestrian access to local schools, healthcare facilities, and the new Christian Medical College campus.

News Article:

Traffic Chaos Continues as NH48 Underpass Project Stalls in Ranipet

RANIPET, January 1, 2026 – Motorists in Ranipet district are facing ongoing traffic woes and safety concerns due to the stalled construction of a vehicular underpass on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH48) in Puttuthakku village. The ₹22 crore project, initiated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), was abandoned by its original contractor due to financial difficulties, leaving the vital infrastructure project incomplete for several months.

The partially constructed underpass has forced traffic onto a narrow service lane, leading to severe congestion, especially during peak hours and on weekends. The incomplete elevated corridor above the underpass is also being used, creating hazardous conditions due to dust, reduced visibility, and confused motorists entering the service lane unexpectedly.

“The delay has turned the service lane into a chaotic mess,” stated a senior police official. “The NHAI must prioritize completing the underpass as soon as possible.”

Motorists have echoed these concerns, with many reporting near-misses and visibility issues, especially at night.

However, there is a glimmer of hope. NHAI officials have announced plans to engage a new contractor to finalize the project. According to officials, over 90% of the work is already complete. The remaining tasks include laying the bitumen layer on the elevated corridor and installing necessary safety features such as blinkers and reflectors. The underpass, designed for two-wheelers, cars, and buses, is expected to be fully operational within a month once the new contractor is on board.

Upon completion, the underpass is expected to significantly ease traffic flow, reduce the number of dangerous U-turn spots on the highway, and improve pedestrian access to nearby facilities, including government schools, healthcare centers, and the expanding Christian Medical College (CMC) campus, which sees approximately one lakh visitors daily.

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