The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has successfully completed major repair work on a damaged vehicular underpass (VuP) near Sengipatti on the Trichy-Thanjavur national highway, allowing for the resumption of all types of vehicular movement.
Situated at the junction of Trichy-Thanjavur NH and the Budalur-Gandarvakottai state highway, the underpass had been closed since June 20, 2023, due to the collapse of a reinforced earthen wall abutting the Thanjavur-Trichy service road. Following the closure, vehicles were rerouted through service roads, and repair efforts were initiated by NHAI’s Thanjavur unit, with technical guidance provided by a retired professor from IIT-Delhi and faculties from NIT-Trichy.
NHAI reported that soil nailing, a remedial civil work involving steel reinforcements, was conducted at 650 locations within the underpass. Steel rods, each measuring 32 mm in diameter, were inserted to stabilize the structure. The authority allocated Rs 2.5 crore for fortifying the underpass, which was originally constructed in 2009.
An NHAI official informed TOI that there was some delay in tendering and identifying a suitable contractor for comprehensive repair work. Instead of focusing solely on the affected area, the decision was made to strengthen the entire 1-kilometer underpass to ensure the safety of commuters. Additionally, damaged concrete panels installed on the reinforced earthen wall were replaced.
The reopening of the underpass brings relief to frequent commuters on the NH, which serves as a vital link connecting the delta districts with Trichy.