NHAI stops the Ranipet-Walajapet road expansion
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

NHAI stops the Ranipet-Walajapet road expansion

The Chennai-Bengaluru highway's Ranipet-Walajapet segment was supposed to be widened into six lanes; however, for "administrative reasons," the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) withdrew the tender. A record eighteen times, the tender was postponed. This 28-Km stretch, which passes through Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, is an essential route between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Rs 9.80 billion project makes it easier for drivers from Arani and Tiruvannamalai to visit Bengaluru by shortening the truck route from Ranipet SIPCOT to Chittoor. It's also a major route for trucks carrying large cargoes exiting ports in Chennai.

The project has been in the bidding stage as it awaits clearance under the Union government's Gati Sakthi programme. It was originally planned for enlargement two years ago. But the Union Ministry of Road Transport has not yet accorded administrative sanction, leaving the road to function as a four-lane highway until a new proposal is formulated.

There is also unfinished business related to the ongoing road extension along the Sriperumbudur-Krishnagiri segment of the present Chennai-Bengaluru highway (NH-48). There are around 20 spots along the Sriperumbudur-Ranipet section where overbridge work is underway, making the route dangerous. "Many drivers brake abruptly at diversion points due to inadequate barricades and reflective stickers, which frequently results in accidents." When it rains, streetlights and high tower lights at many crossroads become inoperable, making driving at night like riding on a death trap, according to G. Ganesh, who makes the trip to his Bengaluru home virtually every weekend. Over 520 accidents have been reported on the roadway in the previous five years, according to government data. The service road, which is used by buses, private vehicles, and large trucks, is poorly maintained with potholes and is not re-laid frequently.

Millions of toll dollars are still collected by NHAI, but not much of it is used to maintain the route. Delays were first ascribed to disagreements between contractors and NHAI as well as a lack of building supplies. The agency has now refrained from commenting on the anticipated completion date of the project.

The Chennai-Bengaluru highway's Ranipet-Walajapet segment was supposed to be widened into six lanes; however, for administrative reasons, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) withdrew the tender. A record eighteen times, the tender was postponed. This 28-Km stretch, which passes through Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, is an essential route between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Rs 9.80 billion project makes it easier for drivers from Arani and Tiruvannamalai to visit Bengaluru by shortening the truck route from Ranipet SIPCOT to Chittoor. It's also a major route for trucks carrying large cargoes exiting ports in Chennai. The project has been in the bidding stage as it awaits clearance under the Union government's Gati Sakthi programme. It was originally planned for enlargement two years ago. But the Union Ministry of Road Transport has not yet accorded administrative sanction, leaving the road to function as a four-lane highway until a new proposal is formulated. There is also unfinished business related to the ongoing road extension along the Sriperumbudur-Krishnagiri segment of the present Chennai-Bengaluru highway (NH-48). There are around 20 spots along the Sriperumbudur-Ranipet section where overbridge work is underway, making the route dangerous. Many drivers brake abruptly at diversion points due to inadequate barricades and reflective stickers, which frequently results in accidents. When it rains, streetlights and high tower lights at many crossroads become inoperable, making driving at night like riding on a death trap, according to G. Ganesh, who makes the trip to his Bengaluru home virtually every weekend. Over 520 accidents have been reported on the roadway in the previous five years, according to government data. The service road, which is used by buses, private vehicles, and large trucks, is poorly maintained with potholes and is not re-laid frequently. Millions of toll dollars are still collected by NHAI, but not much of it is used to maintain the route. Delays were first ascribed to disagreements between contractors and NHAI as well as a lack of building supplies. The agency has now refrained from commenting on the anticipated completion date of the project.

Next Story
Products

TOTO India Launches Premium G & L Showers with Sleek Faucet Range

TOTO India has launched its G Shower and L Shower series, alongside an expanded range of GT, LH, and Pull-Out lavatory faucets. The collection blends advanced technology, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort, staying true to TOTO’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The G Shower series delivers the 3Rs of showering: Relaxing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. Features include the Calming Shawl spray mode, Warm Spa technology, and multiple overhead and hand-shower options across eight finishes. The L Shower complements this with easy-to-use controls sui..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Hero Future Energies Secures Funding for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19.08 billion in funding from the State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank. The funds will be used to develop and construct HFE’s 120 MW renewable energy hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to deliver reliable peak power. With a 21-year repayment period, the funding ensures timely execution and the commencement of commercial operations. The financial closure demonstrates continued lender confidence in..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

IOC GPS Renewables Raises Rs 8.36 billion Debt for Compressed Biogas Plants

IOC GPS Renewables Private Limited (IGRPL), a joint venture between IndianOil Corporation  and GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 8.36 billion (approx. US$ 95 million) in debt financing from Indian Bank to execute nine Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across India.   The funding is the largest single-bank debt raise in the CBG sector and the first fully non-recourse financing in India for these projects. The plants—four in Haryana, three in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh—will each produce 15 tonnes of CBG per day using paddy straw as feedstock. All nin..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?