It gave much momentum to infrastructural development as Union minister for road transport and high-ways, Nitin Gadkari yesterday announced the approval of the state highways department’s proposal for construction of a new access-controlled 28-km highway which will cost Rs 1,338 crores with the objective of improving connectivity in the region and connecting such critical and key cities as Chennai and Bengaluru. The project is expected to play a crucial role in boosting economic activities, improving access to essential facilities, and reducing traffic congestion in the region.
Key Features of the Rs 1,338 Crore Highway Project
It would join National Highway 40 (NH-40) connecting Walajapet to Ranipet and connect further at the Andhra Pradesh border. Some of the critical features proposed include safety and efficiency for all commuters. Key highlights:
A laid-down four-lane main carriageway paved shoulder. With this, the highway will receive the much need heavy flow with comfort in great stretches by those traveling long distances.
Service roads on both sides two lanes, hence increasing local commuters’ traffic flow with no congestion.
Bypass Around Walajapet and Ranipet: The stretch of 10-km bypass would be built around these two towns and reduce the congestions as well as ensure traveling through them in the proper time.
Bridges and Over-bridges: Four major bridges alongside two railway over-bridges are constructed so as to allow smooth traffic that helps elevate the levels for road safety by opening up diversified demands coming from transport users.
Impact on Regional Connectivity and Local Economy
One of the most positive impacts of this highway project will be the easy connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, along with such metro cities as Bengaluru and Vellore. It will serve as an excellent connecting point for travel between these prominent metropolitan regions for both persons and enterprises. With transportation much more accessible, trade in this region, along with tourism, is going to rise highly.
Easing Access to Vellore’s Christian Medical College (CMC)
This highway will greatly benefit Vellore, especially with the presence of the world-renowned CMC hospital. Better connectivity of people, patients, visitors to see and healthcare professionals commuting toward CMC would be definitely ensured by this highway such that one of the primary medical facilities in India won’t be far-off either. Access will ensure that the experience for patients is smooth and easy so that people may get medical care at this prime institution.
Support to local industries in Walajapet and Ranipet
Tannery units along with some small-scale engineering units would attract high economic activity with the coming of this highway at Walajapet and Ranipet. Some units at both these towns produce important spare parts for few biggies like Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, or BHEL. Thus with upgraded road infrastructures the units will have decent logistics connectivity that will draw in further investment, permitting further growth on those units.
Safety Benefits
Apart from making the economy, the highway project will surely enhance the safety of roads. The four bridges and two over-bridges also reduce bottlenecks at crossings to roads leading to railways and other roads. Moreover, by offering a dedicated access-controlled route, chances of accidents are minimized not only for the travelers but also for the surrounding communities.
A step toward regional development is another feature of this highway.
This will also spur more general regional development due to the highway project. With improved road infrastructure, local economies become better connected to larger economic hubs of Tamil Nadu and beyond. Industries in the region can easily access major markets quicker, while tourists can easily visit key attractions. By design, the highway responds to the concerns of different user groups regarding transportation needs-from local transportation needs to long-distance travel.
Conclusion
The estimated Rs 1,338 crore access-controlled highway project will transform transportation and boost economic growth for Tamil Nadu. It will enhance regional connectivity, make travel safer and more efficient, and encourage growth in key industries of the region. This project will affect the local economy as well as enhance the living standards of residents through inter-city connectivity, such as connecting cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Vellore to medical facilities such as CMC. Efforts put in by the Tamil Nadu government and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari set the stage for stronger infrastructure that will spur regional development for generations to come.
Refer :
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