The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has transformed the 110km Vellore-Tiruvannamalai-Villupuram National Highway (NH-234) into a tolled road by adding just 1.5 metres of road on each side. The toll plazas at Vallam, Enamkariyanandal, and Thennamadevi have collected approximately Rs 36 crore in 20 months, with the project costing Rs 273 crore. This toll collection is essentially paid by motorists through their contributions from vehicle taxes and fees, which funded the road’s upgrade.
Revenue from the Highway Expansion
The project was financed solely through government funds, with no bank loans involved. The toll collection from the three plazas averages Rs 1.82 crore monthly, sourced from the Central Road Fund and fees from vehicle registrations. Despite these funds, motorists have raised concerns over the road’s poor design and lack of amenities at the toll plazas.
Issues Along the Highway
The road, widened from 5 metres to 8.5 metres, was completed between 2018 and 2023. However, motorists face numerous safety hazards, including frequent curves, encroachments, inadequate signage, and the absence of road overbridges at railway crossings. These problems worsen during peak traffic days, such as Pournami Girivalam, which sees heavy congestion and increased risks for drivers.
Safety Concerns and Accidents
The stretch has recorded 244 accidents between May 2023 and November 2024, resulting in 18 fatalities and 54 serious injuries. Local residents and regular commuters, especially from Chittoor and Andhra Pradesh, highlight poor visibility and dangerous overtaking situations as significant threats on this road.
Comparison with State Highways
In comparison, state-funded four-lane and six-lane roads, built with higher budgets, remain toll-free. State highways also develop flyovers and bridges for much lower construction costs. The toll system on the Vellore-Tiruvannamalai NH, funded by MoRTH, raises questions about fairness for users of roads financed by public contributions.
