Chennai–Vellore NH48 turns killer highway: Rs 1,500 crore, 13 years, and still unfinished

The long-stalled project to expand the 100km Maduravoyal–Walajah stretch of NH 48 remains unfinished even after 13 years. Despite massive funding of ₹1,500 crore, commuters still face a perilous drive, especially at night. Poor maintenance and scattered construction sites make the route extremely unsafe. (Picture credit: R.Ramesh Shankar)

NHAI attributes the prolonged delay to both contractors and the state government. The first contractor was dismissed in 2016 for sluggish work, and the second withdrew in 2021 due to disputes over fly ash supply. Each round of halted work has only added years of uncertainty and financial strain. (Picture credit: R.Ramesh Shankar)

A dozen flyovers and underpasses stand half-built with barely any workers on site. Out of these, only seven flyovers are operational and four more await opening despite being ready. The rest are left with exposed pillars and debris, worsening congestion and creating hazardous conditions for drivers. (Picture credit: R.Ramesh Shankar)

Over the last decade, the NHAI and its contractors have collected more than ₹1,000 crore in tolls, yet the highway remains in disrepair. Motorists are forced to weave between trucks and potholes, ironically paying to risk their safety. The mismatch between toll revenue and road quality raises serious accountability issues. (Picture credit: R.Ramesh Shankar)

At Vedal and nearby towns, traffic slows to a standstill even at midday as trucks and buses squeeze through narrowed service lanes. Chaos prevails across Sunguvarchathram, Nandimedu, Murukkanthangal, and Attuputhur, where incomplete work zones and dust clouds create constant hazards. (Picture credit: R.Ramesh Shankar)

Near Walajah, impatient motorists have started using under-construction flyovers without proper surfacing. Missing signages and open edges increase accident risks. Despite completion claims, many stretches remain unsafe, lacking essential finishing work or inspection clearance. (Picture credit: R.Ramesh Shankar)

To restart progress, NHAI divided responsibilities, giving 30km to the Tamil Nadu highways department and retendering 36km to a new contractor. However, since January, the third contractor has shown minimal output, leaving nearly 20km of treacherous road untouched and traffic crawling at snail’s pace. (Picture credit: R.Ramesh Shankar)

Even the freshly relaid road between Poonamallee and Sriperumbudur has developed deep craters over a 10km span. Frequent mishaps occur as heavy vehicles are forced onto narrow lanes. Drivers complain of long travel times, vehicle damage, and mounting frustration on this critical trade route. (Picture credit: R.Ramesh Shankar)

This neglected highway runs through Tamil Nadu’s largest industrial hub. Broken stretches outside Sipcot Industrial Estate have delayed shipments and damaged goods. Companies transporting fragile items or cars suffer losses as poor infrastructure disrupts logistics and diminishes transport reliability. (Picture credit: R.Ramesh Shankar)

The fly ash supply issue proved a major stumbling block. Though it was to be provided free from thermal plants, the state sold it at ₹205 per tonne, leading to cost disputes. The contractor, facing logistical setbacks, stopped work after initiating a few flyovers and partial road repairs. (Picture credit: R.Ramesh Shankar)