Profits Soar, Infrastructure Crashes at Surapet Toll Plaza
The Surapet toll plaza, a critical link situated between Ambattur and Red Hills in Chennai, is generating a staggering annual revenue of approximately ₹100 crore for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). However, this financial success stands in stark contrast to the deplorable and hazardous conditions endured daily by the thousands of commuters who pass through it.
A Daily Commute Fraught with Danger and Neglect
Instead of a well-maintained facility, road-users are met with a shocking sight. The plaza is described as an eyesore, with large portions of its roof missing. Dangling slivers of tin sheets pose a significant threat to the lives and limbs of people. The access roads leading to the plaza remain in a state of perpetual disrepair, adding to the commuters' woes.
The situation is no better when it comes to basic amenities. On the Madhavaram side, all four urinals have been vandalized, leaving behind broken commodes. A similar scene of neglect greets visitors on the Tambaram side, where toilets are damaged and the entire block is poorly maintained. Some of the broken commodes have been unceremoniously dumped behind the toilet complex.
Closed Lanes and Temporary Fixes
The inefficiency extends to the traffic flow as well. Of the three entry and exit lanes on each side, one corridor towards Madhavaram has been closed for three months. This closure was the result of damage from a recent bus accident. A toll worker revealed that while NHAI has filed an insurance claim, repairs are pending the release of funds.
In a telling sign of the neglect, all the toll booths are rickety. Workers, left to fend for themselves, have resorted to covering these booths with plastic sheets as a makeshift shield against the rain. The metal shelter above the sixth exit corridor towards Tambaram hangs precariously, indicating a clear lack of timely maintenance.
Massive Revenue Versus Public Outcry
The 32-kilometer bypass is a vital artery, carrying more than 15,000 vehicles daily, including heavy trucks heading to Kattupalli and Chennai ports. Despite this heavy usage and the substantial income it generates, NHAI has failed to address the persistent damage. The agency has been collecting toll fees on this Phase-II stretch since it was built in 2011, and has amassed a colossal revenue of over ₹1,000 crore since then.
This continued collection has raised serious questions. S Yuvaraj, the president of the State Lorry Owners Federation, pointed out that the build-and-operate component of the project ended long ago. He stated that the original project cost was ₹450 crore, meaning NHAI has earned profits more than double the initial investment. "On national highways, lanes are expanded from four to six, or six to eight. But what is the money being used for on this bypass?" he questioned.
Highlighting the plight of commercial drivers, Yuvaraj added, "A 12-wheeler truck driver pays ₹390 one way but finds no basic rest areas or eateries, and only poorly maintained toilets."
Official Response and Promised Action
When confronted with these issues, NHAI Chennai-II project director Ravindra Rao provided a glimmer of hope. He confirmed that tenders are being floated to repair the toll plaza and assured that "It will be done soon." For the countless commuters and transport professionals who rely on this key route, this promised repair cannot come soon enough, as they continue to pay a premium for a substandard and unsafe travel experience.
