The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to appoint a new contractor to complete a ₹22 crore vehicular underpass on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway (NH48) in Puttuthakku village near Arcot town, Ranipet district. The previous contractor abandoned the project due to lack of funds, leaving it unfinished for months. The police allowed traffic on the partially built elevated corridor above the underpass to ease congestion on the narrow service lane to Vellore Town, but this caused chaos during busy hours. A senior police officer told The Hindu, "Due to delay, traffic on the service lane turned chaotic during rush hour and on weekends. The NHAI should complete the underpass at the soonest." Motorists complained about dust from the incomplete structure reducing visibility, especially at night. K. Manjunath, a motorist, said, "Vehicles should be barred from entering the underpass until the work is completed." Nearly 90% of the underpass is done. Pending works include laying the bitumen layer on the elevated corridor and installing safety features like blinkers, reflectors, and signage. Officials said once a new contractor is assigned, the project will be completed within a month. The underpass will serve two-wheelers, cars, and buses and aim to reduce U-turn spots on this busy stretch. The area has schools, healthcare centers, car repair shops, and the new campus of Christian Medical College, which sees about one lakh visitors daily. Currently, pedestrians must walk 500 meters to cross at the Puttuthakku junction.