Vellore Corporation demolishes encroachments along Arcot Road

Continuing its drive, Vellore Corporation demolished encroachments, mostly commercial buildings, along the narrow Arcot Road near Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore town on Friday.

Civic officials said the demolition was undertaken as part of a plan to restore the original width of the stretch, and for easy flow of vehicles.

As part of the drive, 80 structures, mostly shops, were demolished. Demolition of these structures will provide additional road space of between 15 and 40 feet on the stretch. Thereafter, the road will be re-laid to allow motorists to use the space. “After removal of encroachments on the stretch, a median will be laid. It will also help pedestrians, who are mostly patients, to cross the stretch safely,” A. Sultana, Commissioner, Vellore Corporation, told The Hindu.

Corporation officials said the 5.2 km-long stretch between Konavattam and the service lane of Chennai - Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) near the Collectorate at Kagithapattarai had several encroachments, including temporary structures.

“Regular police patrolling on the stretch to prevent hawkers and roadside eateries that encroach on the roadway should be done,” said R. Pandian, a motorist.

Based on orders of Collector P.S. Leela Alex, civic officials were directed to undertake the demolition drive on the stretch as the road is a key government bus route between Bagayam and Katpadi railway stations. Along with revenue and Vellore Corporation officials, around 50 police personnel were also involved in the drive to ensure smooth flow of traffic on the route and to prevent any untoward incidents.

Residents said that Arcot Road is a lifeline for residents as it connects Old Town areas with newly developed neighbourhoods like Sathuvachari and Rangapuram where the Collector’s office, SP office, courts, RTO, and PF office are located. Also, patients especially from other States coming to CMC, stay in lodges that are dotted on both sides of the stretch. The stretch also provides brisk business for a chain of hotels.

In 2023, funded under the Rural Roads (RR) scheme 2022-23 at a cost of ₹1.5 crore, the stretch was re-laid to a width of 10 feet, including a carriageway and footpath. The damaged portion of the existing narrow storm water drain was also re-constructed.