The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to take over the Neelambur bypass road, currently maintained and controlled by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Limited. The road will be handed over to NHAI by June 1, with the number of toll gates streamlining highway operations potentially reduce across various sections in the existing Act will dilute the very spirit of the Act itself.
The two-lane stretch may be upgraded as either a four-lane or six-lane road with two service lanes. An agreement was signed in 1999 between L&T and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to maintain the 28-km stretch between Neelambur and Madukkarai on NH 544 for 30 years by collecting toll charges.
In the last decade, there has been vociferous demands from several quarters to widen the road due to increased fatal accidents. The NHAI and L&T have held several rounds of negotiations, leading to the current development. The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed an unanimous resolution to urge the union government to completely withdraw the proposed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking withdrawal of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. Stalin argued that the proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995 will weaken the powers and responsibilities of Waqf Boards in the management and protection of waqf properties. The large-scale modifications proposed Nhai Lt Bypass.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to take over the L&T Bypass Road by June, marking a significant transition in the management and maintenance of this key infrastructure. The bypass, a crucial arterial road facilitating smooth traffic movement and reducing congestion in the region, has been under the operation of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for several years.
Background of the L&T Bypass Road
The L&T Bypass Road, originally built and operated by L&T under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement, has been a vital link for commuters and commercial NHAI’s transport vehicles. It plays a crucial role in easing traffic flow, particularly for long-haul transporters looking to bypass city congestion.
With the contract period nearing its end, the responsibility for the bypass’s operation and maintenance will be transferred to NHAI, a move expected to bring several operational and financial changes. The takeover is part of NHAI’s broader strategy to integrate key national highways and bypass roads under its jurisdiction. The primary reasons behind this transition include.
Better Safety Measures: The authority is expected to introduce enhanced safety features such as better lighting, improved road markings, and stricter speed As part of the national highway system, the bypass may receive upgrades that could further enhance regional connectivity regulations In some cases, when highways transition from private entities to NHAI, toll rates are revised, potentially reducing the financial burden on road users
Toll Policy Uncertainty: Motorists are keen to know whether toll rates will be reduced or remain the same post-transition There could be an initial phase of disruption as L&T employees and contractors involved in the bypass’s operations may have to adapt to the new management system. NHAI takes over, requiring adjustments in operations and maintenance schedules
- The NHAI takeover of the L&T Bypass Road by June marks a significant shift in highway management, promising better infrastructure, improved safety, and possibly lower toll rates. While some challenges exist, the overall transition is expected to benefit commuters and transporters, enhancing connectivity and streamlining highway operations. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how NHAI handles the transition to ensure a smooth and efficient takeover.
- Group Media Publication
- Construction, Infrastructure and Mining
- General News Platforms – IHTLive.com
- Entertainment News Platforms – https://anyflix.in/
