Road widening work underway along the stretch towards Amirthi zoo, Golden temple near Vellore. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The Pennathur-Thellai Main Road, off Cuddalore-Chittoor Highway, especially towards Amirthi zoo and Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden temple complex is being converted into two-lane stretch with additional safety measures to draw more visitors to these tourist spots.
Officials of the Department of State Highways said that widening of the 14.4 km stretch is being done after getting prior nod from the Forest Department to ensure safety of motorists. “The entire work, including laying of paver blocks, will be completed in two months.
Initially, the work has been taken up towards Amirthi zoo due to availability of open space along the existing narrow carriageway. The work is being monitored by R. Prakash, Assistant Divisional Engineer (ADE), State Highways (Vellore). “Widening of the pot-holed stretch will help motorists reach the tourist spots safely. Additional safety measures on the stretch are also required,” said K. Vinod, a motorist.
The ₹6-crore project, funded under the Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme (2024-25), aims to upgrade the existing single-lane road to a 7-metre wide carriageway, with tiled footpath. Reflectors, blinkers, LED street lights would also be installed.
Old storm water drains were also replaced on both sides of the stretch. The new drain is expected to prevent inundation in residential areas along the route. Excess rainwater would be discharged into lakes, which flows into Nicholson canal that is connected to Palar river.
As part of the work, eight culverts are also being built on the stretch to prevent inundation during monsoon. Around 20 Tangedco poles have been identified for relocation. Trees that are located near the existing carriageway will be uprooted.
Amirthi zoo consists of two Reserve Forests — Thellai RF and Puthur RF in Jawadhu Hills. It also has waterfalls, birds, snakes, porcupines, crocodiles, white peacocks and star tortoises.
The zoo is home to a diverse range of species, with spotted deer being the most abundant, numbering 150. Other attractions include spacious lawn, children park and an interpretation centre. On an average, the zoo registers a footfall of 200-300 visitors every day.
Highways officials said the widening work would also help tribals in Jawadhu Hills to reach key towns like Vellore, Arcot, Katpadi and Ambur from Tiruvannamalai easily.
Published – February 23, 2025 07:30 pm IST
