Sun Jan 04 16:23:06 UTC 2026: Summary:

Residents of Sandrorkuppam village in Ambur, Tirupattur, India, held a protest on Sunday, January 4, 2026, demanding the construction of a new subway on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 48). The protest, organized by residents including women, farmers, and traders, was prompted by the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) plans to close a narrow crossing on the service lane due to safety concerns and frequent accidents. Residents argue the crossing is vital for access to agricultural land, residential areas, and nearby tribal hamlets, and they are requesting a subway to ensure safe passage. Municipal officials have appealed to the NHAI to build the subway. NHAI officials have responded that they will consider the option.

News Article:

Ambur Residents Protest for Subway on Chennai-Bengaluru Highway

TIRUPATTUR, India – January 4, 2026 – Residents of Sandrorkuppam village in Ambur town, Tirupattur district, staged a protest on Sunday, demanding the construction of a new subway on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 48). The protest, which included women, farmers, and local traders, was triggered by plans from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to close a hazardous crossing on the highway’s service lane.

The villagers claim the crossing is crucial for accessing residential areas, over 1,200 acres of agricultural land used for paddy cultivation, and nearby tribal communities. They argue that closing the crossing would significantly disrupt their lives and livelihoods.

“We have been demanding a vehicular subway to curb accidents on the narrow service lane,” said S. Gopinathan, a local resident. Municipal officials backed the residents’ concerns, stating that the crossing has been in use for many years. A. Muthusamy, Commissioner of Ambur Municipality, told The Hindu, “We have asked the NHAI to construct the subway at Sandrorkuppam village to make the crossing safe for residents.”

Police reports indicate accidents have frequently occurred at the crossing, especially at night, due to poor visibility. The NHAI has stated that it will explore the possibility of building a new underpass near the village. This intervention is intended to provide a safer passage for both motorists and pedestrians.

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