The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has set the ball rolling for the widening of the 28-km, two-lane stretch of National Highway 40 from Ranipet to the Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh border near Chittoor into four-lane NH.
The project, initially proposed to convert the road into a six-lane at an estimation of Rs. 980 crore, has been delayed since in September 2022 due to issues relating to road alignment and tender.
This four-lane access-controlled road will serve as an alternative route to Bengaluru via Chittoor, enhancing connectivity and facilitating the faster movement of goods from BHEL, Ranipet SIPCOT, and local industries to Bengaluru.
The 180 km stretch of the Chittoor-Bengaluru NH has already been expanded to four lanes. Furthermore, the upgraded highway will connect to the upcoming Chennai-Bengaluru expressway, offering a route for motorists from Thiruvannamalai, Arani, Vempakkam, and western parts of Kancheepuram district via the Arcot-Tiruvannamalai-Tindivanam state highway
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari recently announced that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 1,338 crore for an access-controlled highway project.
"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 recently.
The work will also involve building a 10-km bypass around Walajapet/Ranipet, four major bridges, and two railway overbridges. The existing 330 km Chennai-Bengaluru bypass currently passes through Walajahpet, Vellore, Ambur, and Hosur.
Although NH 40, also known as Old Madras Road, had been seen as less important due to low traffic over the past two decades, the proposal gained traction a decade ago as an alternative route to Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka for motorists from northern Tamil Nadu. The highway runs from Walajahpet to Kurnool, passing through Ranipet, Chittoor, and Kadapa.
Officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) revealed that multiple tenders had been called for widening the 28 km stretch in the past, but the project faced delays due to alignment issues and other challenges. However, with the revised project cost, new tenders will be issued, and work will begin soon, said an official.
The upcoming highway will feature a four-lane main carriageway with paved shoulders and two-lane service roads on both sides, as per Times Travel report. The design aims to ease traffic flow for both long-distance travellers and local commuters.
The new highway, Times Now reports, is expected to significantly improve connectivity between key cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, Tirupati, and Vellore. The region, especially Vellore, which is home to the renowned Christian Medical College (CMC), will benefit greatly from the highway, making it easier for patients, visitors, and medical professionals to travel. Improved access will also encourage trade, tourism, and other economic activities, boosting the local economy.
(With inputs from Express News Service)