NHAI stops the Ranipet-Walajapet road expansion

30 May 2024 CW Team

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.

Resources

03 Jun 2026

Jyoti Structures Launches Heat Safety Drive Across Sites

Jyoti Structures (JSL) has strengthened heat safety measures across its project sites and manufacturing facilities as temperatures rise across India. The company has implemented a Summer Safety Plan covering all transmission line projects to address risks related to heat stress, dehydration and worker fatigue.The initiative includes rescheduling work away from peak afternoon temperatures, provision of drinking water, ORS and lemon-salt solutions, and installation of rest shelters near work areas. Daily toolbox talks, worker health monitoring, first-aid preparedness, emergency transport arrange..

Real Estate

03 Jun 2026

MHADA Declares 82 Buildings Most Dangerous in Central and South Mumbai

The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has declared 82 buildings as most dangerous across Central and South Mumbai and has appealed to residents to vacate immediately. The list, prepared after structural assessments by the authority, identifies buildings judged to pose imminent risk to occupants and to passersby. Local civic bodies have been asked to coordinate evacuations and to make arrangements for temporary shelter and rehabilitation for displaced households. Officials said the authority prioritised buildings with visible structural distress, severe cracking, tiltin..

Infrastructure Transport

03 Jun 2026

Damage Reported At Halwara Airport Terminal After First Rains

Severe damage was reported at the terminal of Halwara Airport during the first major rain spell of the season, prompting immediate concern among aviation and local authorities. Images from the site showed water ingress and visible deterioration of the terminal interior, affecting passenger areas and ancillary services. The airport authority suspended certain operations temporarily to assess structural safety and ensure passenger wellbeing. Preliminary inspections have prioritised electrical systems and roof seals to prevent further water ingress. State aviation officials ordered a formal inqui..