Vellore civic body clears Arcot Road encroachments to widen key hospital stretch

Vellore Corporation on Friday continued its anti-encroachment drive by demolishing around 80 structures, mostly commercial shops, along the narrow Arcot Road near Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital. The action is part of a plan to restore the road's original width and ensure smoother vehicular movement on the busy stretch.

Civic officials said the removal of the structures will free up additional road space of between 15 and 40 feet. Once the demolition is complete, the road will be re-laid to allow motorists to use the newly available space. A median will also be installed to help pedestrians, many of whom are patients visiting CMC, cross the road safely, according to Corporation Commissioner A. Sultana.

The 5.2 km stretch between Konavattam and the service lane of the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH 48) near the Collectorate at Kagithapattarai had several encroachments, including temporary structures. The drive was carried out on the orders of Collector P.S. Leela Alex, with around 50 police personnel deployed alongside revenue and corporation officials to manage traffic and prevent any untoward incidents.

Residents noted that Arcot Road serves as a lifeline, connecting Old Town areas with newer neighbourhoods such as Sathuvachari and Rangapuram, where key government offices are located. The stretch is also a vital route for patients from other states who stay in lodges along the road while seeking treatment at CMC. Motorists have urged regular police patrolling to prevent hawkers and roadside eateries from re-encroaching on the roadway.

The road, which is a key government bus route between Bagayam and Katpadi railway stations, was re-laid in 2023 under the Rural Roads scheme at a cost of ₹1.5 crore, including reconstruction of a damaged storm water drain.