Rs 1,338 Crore Access-Controlled Highway Project Set To Ease Travel, Bolster Industries In Tamil Nadu

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced that the Central government has sanctioned a Rs 1,338 crore access-controlled highway project in Tamil Nadu.

The 28-kilometre highway along NH-40 will connect Walajapet/Ranipet to the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh border.

This initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity, ensuring smoother travel and fostering economic growth in the region.

"In Tamil Nadu, we have sanctioned ₹1,338 crore for an Access-Controlled Highway project on NH-40, spanning 28 km from Walajapet/Ranipet to the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh border," Gakari said in a post on X on Thursday (19 December).

The proposed highway will include a four-lane main carriageway with paved shoulders and two-lane service roads on both sides.

This design aims to streamline traffic for long-distance travellers and local commuters alike.

A key feature of the project is a 10-kilometre bypass around Walajapet and Ranipet, intended to reduce congestion in these towns.

Additionally, the project will improve road safety by incorporating four major bridges and two railway over-bridges.

The new access-controlled corridor is expected to enhance connectivity between Chennai and key cities such as Bengaluru, Tirupati, and Vellore.

This development is particularly beneficial for Vellore, where the renowned Christian Medical College (CMC) is located, improving access for patients, visitors, and medical professionals.

The highway is also expected to boost trade, tourism, and other economic activities, making the region more accessible and economically vibrant.

The highway is expected to significantly benefit local industries in Walajapet and Ranipet, which are renowned for their leather industry and small-scale engineering units.

These units supply essential components to companies like Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).

Improved road infrastructure is expected to attract new investments, promoting growth in these sectors and fostering economic development in the region.

"With a Special Economic Zone in Ranipet set for 2025 completion, the project promises substantial economic growth while ensuring local traffic movement with 2-lane service roads," Gadkari said.

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