VILLUPURAM : Vehicles with new smart passes will soon be able to breeze through the Ulundurpet tollgate without waiting in long queues.
Work to set up sensors that read a special sticker and lift the barrier automatically has been started and it is expected to be rolled out by January.
Few months ago, the Centre had issued an order to toll gate operators to make special arrangements to avoid long queues. Based on this, the Ulundurpet toll gate management decided to set up automatic lanes for vehicles that already have a pass.
“We have started the work to fix sensors in four lanes of the toll gate. A special sticker with a chip installed will be issued to the pass holders. The sticker should be pasted on the front part of the vehicles. The chip will be read when the vehicle is in range of the sensors. The gate will then open automatically,” said a toll gate staffer.
Sources added that the sensors will be fixed at a few metres before the toll gate and among 12 lanes, six will be dedicated for entry of vehicles with special pass.
He added that this will not only save time but also reduce the manpower required and cut unwanted disputes that happen regularly due to the delay as many vehicles queue up during peak hours.
The Ulundurpet toll gate plays a key role in Chennai-Tiruchy four-way National Highway, as all the vehicles travelling from Chennai to southern cities like Madurai, Tiruchy, Salem and Coimbatore have to pass through this toll gate.
According to sources, over 10,000 vehicles pass through this toll gate everyday.