Trial Run Begins: Key Segment of ₹5,486Cr High-Tech Highway Opens

A 92-km stretch of the Chittoor–Thatchur National Highway (NH-716B) has been opened to vehicular traffic on a trial basis, marking a key milestone in enhancing regional connectivity.

The six-lane, access-controlled greenfield expressway links Uthukottai on SH-50 to Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. Once fully completed, the corridor will integrate with the Bengaluru–Chennai Expressway by August 2026. Currently, the route is witnessing strong usage, with nearly 5,000 vehicles commuting daily.

The entire 112-km project, developed at a cost of ₹5,486.32 crore, features 24 major bridges, 17 minor bridges, and 195 box culverts. It is also equipped with advanced traffic management systems, including 115 cameras for real-time monitoring.

The remaining 20-km stretch, which will connect the highway to the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR), is expected to be completed by December 2026. Overall, the project is set to improve port connectivity and enable smoother traffic movement between key cities in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.