The demolition work is a part of the ongoing ₹7.5 crore
pedestrian subway project near the roundabout. NHAI officials said
the new subway will have facilities to discharge excess rainwater.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has demolished a portion of Green Circle, a roundabout below Chennai – Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) in Vellore, to provide more road space for motorists and prevent accidents.
Officials of NHAI said that after the demolition, the total size of the roundabout will be reduced by half. The demolished space will help motorists to cross the accident-prone spot safely. The demolition work is also part of the ongoing ₹7.5 crore pedestrian subway near the roundabout. “Additional road space around the roundabout will help to reduce the existing waiting time for motorists by at least 15 minutes during rush hour. Pedestrians will also get adequate space to cross the stretch safely,” said G. Vinith, a motorist.
NHAI officials said that widening the total carriageway space by reducing roundabouts will also help pedestrians to reach the under-construction subway safely once the new facility is completed in the coming months. The new subway will end a de-tour of at least one km of travel by motorists and walkers.
Police said that more road space near the roundabout and a new subway will help to save lives on the stretch because the Green Circle roundabout witnesses an average of 5-8 accidents, mostly involving pedestrians, every month as they were unable to cross the stretch safely.
Most of the walkers are commuters, including long-distance travellers from the new bus terminus, around 300 metres away from Green Circle. The roundabout is the key intersection to reach Katpadi and Old Town, which comes within the Vellore Corporation limits.
As per a study done by the district police, on an average, 80-100 vehicles, including government buses, ambulances, lorries, trucks and two-wheelers, pass through the Green Circle below the elevated bridge every minute, especially during rush hour.
In fact, the Green Circle is one of the identified ‘black spots’ within Corporation limits. Black spots are accident-prone spots that are based on reports given by the police to the district administration.
NHAI officials said that the new subway will be 25 metres long, 5.5 metres wide and 3 metres high. It will have facilities to discharge excess rainwater, CCTV cameras, LED street lights, reflectors, signboards and ramps for persons with disabilities. Steel railings will be provided to ensure the safety of walkers, especially senior citizens, women and children. The entire work will be completed by December 2025.
Published – August 25, 2025 05:30 am IST
