The Southern Railway opened a new subway on Thursday to replace a manned level crossing at Lallikuppam village near Ranipet town. The facility, built at a cost of ₹6 crores, aims to ease traffic and improve access for vehicles and emergency services.
The subway replaces the manned railway level crossing LC-47. It was proposed nearly two decades ago and revived in 2024.
Previously motorists used a narrow British-era culvert while other vehicles took a detour of six kilometres via a road overbridge. The two-lane subway measures 240 metres long and 4.5 metres wide with a height of four metres.
It includes 10 LED street lights storm water drains reflectors and warning signages. The project connects surrounding villages to towns including Tiruttani Sholinghur Walajah Ranipet Katpadi Vellore and Chittoor.
Motorist R. Vembuli said the new subway will end a detour of at least 5-6 kms from surrounding villages to reach Ranipet town hospitals and government offices. Residents have requested resumption of bus services to the village.