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
Real Estate

MARC Auditorium

Spanning 80 acre on the outskirts of Bengaluru, the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) recently inaugurated the Dr Ramdas M Pai Convention Hall and Food Court (MARC), a 123,000-sq-ft facility comprising a 1,200-seater auditorium above and a two-level food court below.Elaborating on the design framework, Akshay Heranjal, Co-Founder and Principal Architect, The Purple Ink Studio, remarks, “The design programme included two distinct facilities: a food court spanning two (lower) levels and a 1,200-seater auditorium positioned above. A rectangular soft enclosure of a p..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Ceigall 2.0 has begun and the journey ahead looks promising

"We are a nearly 23-year-old company and if I had to define Ceigall, it’s simple – what comes on the road, we build it,” said Ramneek Sehgal, Managing Director of Ceigall India, which is known for its ability to deliver complex projects on time, such as the successful completion of the Katra Expressway. “Ceigall is making its mark in India's construction landscape. From highways, expressways and elevated roads to railways, metro railways, runways and tunnels – you name it, we do it. Beyond roads, we’re also into utilities and solar energy projects. We've already installed thre..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Hyderabad Ranked Fastest Growing City for Infra Development

Hyderabad has emerged as the fastest-growing city in India among the top six, excelling in key areas such as governance, socio-economic profile, physical infrastructure, and real estate. According to the latest India Prime City Index report by Knight Frank India, the city has experienced remarkable growth, driven by extensive infrastructure projects, a surge in real estate demand, and a rising population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs). Proactive policy initiatives have also played a role in enhancing the city’s socio-economic landscape. F..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000