The concessionaire (private company), which has developed and will maintain the road from Chengapalli to Neelambur, plans to start collection of toll at Kaniyur in a couple of days.
Those residing within 20 km radius from the toll plaza and vehicles that will pass through the toll booth regularly but are outside the 20 km radius can get the respective passes at the toll plaza.
It has 10 booths, five for vehicles proceeding towards Salem and five for those proceeding towards Coimbatore or Kerala.
Explaining the details of the project, an official of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said for the entire 42 km from Chengapalli to Neelambur, it is a six-lane road with two-lane service roads on either side. Thus, it is a 10-lane road.
The service roads are for two-way traffic. Crash barriers and fencing have been provided between the service lanes and the main road.
On the stretch from Chengapalli to Neelambur and from Madukkarai to Walayar – for 54 km - pedestrians and vehicles can cross the road using the underpasses. There are more than 50 entry-exit ramps between Chengapalli and Neelambur. Vehicles can enter or exit the service road from the main road. Speed breakers and caution boards have been placed on the service roads so that the vehicles will slowdown at these points.
The official said the flyover coming up at Neelambur will be completed by December and vehicles going to Coimbatore can use the flyover.
The toll proposed for single journey is Rs. 80 and it varies depending on the vehicle.
The official added that fast track lane is expected to be implemented in the State within a couple of months. Vehicle owners can go in for pre-paid cards and use the fast-track lanes across the country.
