Work begins on outer ring road project in Vellore

The State Highways Department has commenced work on laying the ₹102.83 crore outer ring road (ORR), first in the district, at Periyathur village near Katpadi in Vellore on Thursday. Collector V.R. Subbulaxmi laid the foundation stone for the work in the presence of Vellore MP D.M. Kathir Anand.

The project seeks to decongest areas around Katpadi railway station by diverting heavy vehicles like trucks, goods-laden lorries and container lorries to the new stretch to reach Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH-48). At present, vehicles, including goods-laden lorries and trailer lorries, have been passing through the congested Katpadi town to go to Chittoor, Krishnagiri, Tirupatur, Salem, Ranipet, Kancheepuram and Tiruvannamalai. As per records, more than 17,000 vehicles use Katpadi Main Road every day.

Officials of State Highways said that the 7.4 km stretch will act as an alternative route for vehicles to reach key towns such as Ranipet, Arcot, Sholinghur, Kancheepuram and Tiruvannamalai without using narrow stretches in Katpadi. The new stretch will also provide road connectivity to at least 20 surrounding farming villages, including Kal Pudur, Dharapadavedu, Karikiri, Kandimedu, Arumparuthi, Karnampattu, Arambakkam and Perumugai.

“The new ORR will make stretches in Katpadi and the surrounding areas safer for motorists. The entire ORR work will be completed by 2027,” S. Poovarasan, Assistant Engineer, State Highways (Vellore), told The Hindu. 

Residents said that the continuous movement of vehicles on the narrow Katpadi Main Road, which connects the busy railway station and NH-48, has also resulted in accidents involving pedestrians. “School buses and ambulances get stuck in the traffic congestion due to movement of heavy vehicles on the stretch,” said K. Nagaraj, a motorist. 

Funded under the Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme 2025-26, the outer ring road will be a two-lane stretch with at least 10 metres in width. Unlike in urban areas, the stretch will have only earthen stormwater drains to avoid taking up more road space.