NHAI Will Provide Toll-Free Plazas on Diwali to Ease Chennai-Tiruchi Highway Traffic

Key Highlights:

• NHAI will ease toll collection rules on the Chennai-Tiruchi Highway during Diwali to reduce traffic congestion.
• The left-hand lane at toll plazas will be reserved for government and omni buses to minimize traffic jams.
• The recent relaxation at Athur and Parnoor toll plazas has raised hopes for future festival exemptions.
• NHAI is addressing the ongoing issues of poor maintenance and traffic delays on the highway.
• Future plans include completing bridge repairs and constructing additional overpasses to improve traffic flow.

In response to increasing traffic and long queues during major festivals like Diwali, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) plans to relax some strict toll collection rules on the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway. This decision, made at the request of the state government, aims to make toll collection smoother and simpler during the festival.

Toll Collection Relaxations

The NHAI has announced that the left lane at toll plazas will be reserved for government and omni buses to help reduce traffic jams. The state government requested these changes to minimize congestion during the festival season. 

After the holidays, toll collection was temporarily halted at Athur and Parnoor toll plazas, which eased traffic for commuters. This move has raised hopes that similar exemptions might be offered during other festivals as well.

Traffic delays are attributed to congestion at toll plazas, damaged bridges at Mamandur, potholes on the highway, and ongoing construction of road over bridges (ROBs) at key locations. With approximately 1.2 lakh vehicles using this highway daily, the situation worsens during peak festival times. Although the NHAI is working to address these problems, many passengers still feel frustrated.

Focus on Passenger Convenience

The NHAI's decision for Diwali shows their commitment to addressing traffic issues and improving the travel experience for passengers. These measures are expected to not only make travel easier but also enhance NHAI's public image.

If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for highway management in other states, potentially leading to similar arrangements during future festivals to enhance passenger comfort.

Ongoing Traffic Issues

The Chennai-Tiruchy National Highway frequently experiences heavy traffic and long queues, especially during festivals. The NHAI has faced criticism for the highway's poor maintenance and persistent congestion. Even under normal circumstances, travel from Tambaram to Tindivanam can take an additional two to three hours during weekends and holidays.

Suggestions for Improvement

Commuters have suggested that toll management should be restructured to alleviate pressure, especially during festivals. They believe that increasing staff at toll plazas, adding more lanes, and managing vehicle directions based on traffic flow could effectively reduce congestion.

NHAI's Future Plans

The NHAI is developing a long-term plan to tackle these ongoing issues. They recognize the need to continually improve the toll collection system to ensure a hassle-free travel experience. The Chennai Regional Officer has assured that reconstruction of the Mamandur bridge and the construction and extension of ROBs at key locations will be completed soon, promising improved traffic conditions for commuters.

Also Read: NHAI Introduces Live Monitoring for Toll Plazas Across India

CMV360 Says

NHAI's proactive measures for the Diwali season are commendable and demonstrate a willingness to address the challenges faced by commuters. It’s crucial that these efforts lead to lasting improvements on the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway, ensuring smoother journeys not just during festivals, but throughout the year.