Krishnagiri - Walajahpet Tollway Private Limited

The Six laning of the Krishnagiri-Walajahpet section of the NH-48 project is a significant transportation initiative in the state of Tamil Nadu. This project involves the six-laning of the Krishnagiri-Walajahpet section of National Highway NH-48 (formerly NH-46), spanning a length of 148.300 kilometres. It falls under the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) Phase-V and is executed as a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) project.

The project operates under a 30-year toll concession agreement, awarded by the National Highway Authorities of India in 2011 through competitive bidding. The project has been actively collecting tolls since June 2011 and has approximately 18 years of remaining concession life.

National Highway NH-48 is a vital arterial route in Tamil Nadu, serving as a crucial link between Chennai and Bengaluru. The project corridor passes through several key locations, including Krishnagiri, Vaniyambadi, Ambur, Pallikonda, Vellore, and Walajapet.

The project's influence area, where it significantly impacts traffic, is classified into broad and immediate influence areas. The immediate influence area includes Krishnagiri and Salem districts, while the broad influence area encompasses the entire states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.

The project traverses through four districts: Krishnagiri, Tirupathur, Vellore, and Ranipet. Chennai, the state capital, is well connected to major cities through the national highway network, including NH 5 to Kolkata, NH 4 to Mumbai, and NH 45 to Kanyakumari. Road networks handle a substantial portion of the total traffic, constituting 66% of the overall transportation network.

Benefits of the Project Road

Enhanced Connectivity: The project has a substantial influence on both commercial and passenger traffic, handling 30% commercial and 70% passenger traffic. This balance significantly contributes to toll revenue while improving connectivity to tier 2 cities like Chennai and Bangalore.

Improved Safety: The project places a strong emphasis on safety with a range of measures. These include enhanced signage, improved lighting, and wider lanes, all contributing to a reduction in accidents and fatalities on the road. Various mitigation measures have been implemented, such as the closure of Emergency Crossover (EMO), the installation of yellow-coloured rumble strips and studs at intersections, waiting lanes at intersections, and the deployment of safety features like Solar Blinkers, All-in-One Safety Poles, Highway Safety Vehicles (HSV), and Highway Traffic Management Vehicles (HTMV). These efforts have significantly reduced accidents on the road.

Reduced Travel Times: The modernization of the project road has led to a significant reduction in travel times for both commuters and long-haul transportation. This improvement has enhanced efficiency and decreased fuel consumption, making travel more convenient for road users.

Economic Growth: The upgraded road infrastructure has become a magnet for investments, spurring economic growth. It has made the region more accessible to businesses, resulting in job creation and increased economic opportunities for local communities. The project has a positive impact on the local economy, benefiting various sectors.

Impact on Road Users

Commuters: Commuters now enjoy shorter travel times and increased safety, leading to an improved quality of life. The project has significantly enhanced the daily commuting experience for the local population.

Truck Drivers: Long-haul truck drivers benefit from reduced transit times and lower operating costs. This boosts the efficiency of the logistics industry, making transportation of goods more cost-effective and timely.

Tourists: The improved road conditions in the region have not only attracted more tourists, leading to a surge in local tourism and benefiting hospitality businesses but have also played a pivotal role in the area's economic development. The project stretch is surrounded by a rich historical and cultural heritage, featuring attractions like Vellore Fort, Jalakandeswarar Temple, Sripuram Golden Temple, Amirthi Zoological Park, Yelagiri Hills, CMC Hospital, VIT College, and Kavalur Solar Observatory. These destinations consistently draw a diverse range of visitors, both local and foreign, throughout the year.

Impact on Communities

Economic Development: Local communities have experienced substantial economic growth as a result of increased economic activity. This growth includes the establishment of new businesses, the expansion of manufacturing, and the development of tourism-related enterprises.

Employment Opportunities: The project has created various job opportunities for residents, including roles in construction, maintenance, and activities related to the project's development and upkeep, including toll operations. The area has evolved into an industrial, medical, and educational hub, providing numerous employment options, especially for the youth, due to the growth of tanneries and small-scale industries.

Infrastructure Development: The project has catalyzed the development of supplementary infrastructure, including the establishment of hotels, restaurants, and service stations. This has been beneficial for local entrepreneurs who have seen their businesses grow and thrive.

Environmental Impact: The project has been conscious of environmental concerns and has implemented measures for ecological preservation and sustainable development. Additionally, it has undertaken extensive tree-planting initiatives along the road corridor to mitigate its environmental footprint.

Accolades

The project has been certified under six ISO certification categories:

• ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
• ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System
• ISO 39001:2012 Road Traffic Safety Management System
• ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety Management System
• ISO 31000:2018 Risk Management
• ISO 27001-2022 Information Security and Management System

Other Rewards and recognitions include:

• National Highway Excellence 2021 (NHEA) Awards & Recognition: Silver
• NHAI Highway Rating 2021: 6th Rank across India
• KWTPL Vellore District Road Safety Award 2023
• KWTPL Tirupathur District Road Safety Award 2023: Accident Reduction Measures

Updated as on April 2024