Widening of NH 45 from Paranur to Salavady likely to commence in a year

The widening of NH 45 from Chengalpattu to Tindivanam into six lanes is likely to be taken up in a year. The detailed project report is nearing completion.

The 68-km-long stretch of GST Road that runs through 39 revenue villages in Chengalpattu and Tindivanam districts has 30 at-grade intersections and witnesses 59,657 passenger car units daily.

The widening is crucial as the stretch from Pulipakkam junction to Tindivanam has 33 blackspots, a source in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said. K. Ramesh of Abi Cabs called it a welcome move.

“Earlier, accidents used to happen till Paranur since the road was only four-lanes wide. Accidents take place beyond Paranur and most highways because people do not follow rules. We need to be alert and watch out for bad drivers, people who doze off while driving… If people drive properly, 99% of the accidents can be avoided,” he said.

“The consultant is presently finalising the report for the project, which will be implemented from the toll plaza at Paranur to Salavady. Along with six lanes, the widening will also allow the road to have continuous service lanes. The final cost is estimated to be around ₹2,500 crore,” the source said.

Shifting of utilities such as water pipelines of Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board and panchayats will be a challenge since the lines have to be identified beneath encroachments, which will be removed. There will be nominal acquisition of land at curves and missing points. Some hillock blasting will be necessary at Pulipakkam and Pazhaveli villages.  

A total of four truck lay-bays of 2.5 hectares each and two rest areas of 1.25 hectares each have been planned. Since the Veeranam water pipeline runs to about 20 metres along the highway, efforts will be taken to minimise shifting. A total of 14 structures, including flyovers and bridges, are to be rehabilitated, 10 widened, and around 15 newly constructed.