OREANDA-NEWS. August 8, 2012. Reliance Infrastructure Limited (RInfra), part of Reliance Group, through its Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) SU Toll Road Pvt Ltd., today announced the commencement of its seventh road project from Salem to Ulundurpet in Tamil Nadu. The four lanning of Salem-Ulunderpet (SU) road has been completed and toll collection started.

The project is executed on Build Operate Transfer (BOT) pattern under the aegis of National Highways Authority of India. RInfra has been awarded the contract to operate and maintain the road for a concession period of 25 years.

Built at a cost of Rs.1061 crore, SU corridor connects major tourist destinations, industrial zones and the Chennai international airport. Yercaud - a hill station and an important tourist destination in Salem district will now be easily accessible through this corridor.

Commenting on this development, Mr. Sudhir R Hoshing, CEO (Roads), Reliance Infrastructure, said “"We are happy to complete the widening and start the operation of Salem-Ulundurpet road that will provide hassle-free, safer and smooth driving experience. The corridor will not only connect centers of tourism and industrial zones, but will also reduce the rural-urban gap by connecting 79 villages with Chennai, Bengaluru and other major cities. The corridor will witness approximately 8,500 vehicles per day that is expected to double in the next four years.”

He further added, “‘with the opening of SU corridor, five out of six road projects worth Rs. 3300 crore in Tamil Nadu are now operational and generating revenue. ”

Starting from Salem, SU corridor involved realignment and widening of two lanes to four lanes. Some section of SU stretch had dangerous curves and steep rises that were realigned, so that commuters can maintain the minimum design speed and enjoy the comfort of drive.

With the widening of SU corridor, the average speed of vehicle will now increase from 35 kms/ hr to approx 70 km/ hr, thereby reducing the traveling time by 40% - 50 % and saving fuel cost by almost 40%. Commuters traveling the entire stretch can now cover this distance in less than two hours whereas earlier, the same distance used to take almost 3 hours 30 minutes. Access from Salem to Chennai Airport will also become much easier and convenient.

Keeping the traffic density in mind, 10 lane toll plazas were constructed on SU road. Each toll plazas is installed with Automated Toll System to further reduce the stop over time. Total 3 Toll Plazas are located on the entire stretch of the corridor, out of which two are currently operational. Commuters residing within 20 kms radius of these respective toll plazas can also avail the benefit of monthly discounted passes.

All toll plazas have Emergency Control Room that will locate accident sites and provide medical services within minimum response time. 24x7 Ambulance services are also available to handle any emergency situation. Two patrolling cars will patrol the entire corridor 24X7 to ensure the safety and security of the commuters. The corridor will also have 38 Passengers Bus shelters with various commuter centric facilities like RO drinking water kiosks, Truck Lay byes etc.