Chennai: Commuters leaving for Vellore, Krishnagiri and Bengaluru and those returning from these places can soon zip past the Sriperambudur and Walajah tolls on the NH-48.After introducing a camera-based toll system without booths in Paranur, the NHAI has installed automated toll structures at the Nemili toll in Sriperambudur and the Chennasamudra toll near Walajah. The new structure, called the multi-lane free-flow system, will have multiple cameras at intervals of 20m to scan the number plates or FASTag, and deduct the money automatically.More than 30,000 vehicles ply here daily, and the toll booths usually queue up as the reading takes time. Officials said many vehicles also lacked sufficient balance, leading to payments over UPI apps and consequent delays. With the new system, a challan will be raised for those who don’t have balance.Meanwhile, the toll booths appear vandalised, particularly at Nemili, where the structures are inadequately covered during rain. Acceleration and deceleration lanes have not been marked, and one lane remains non-functional. The concrete road also has potholes.In the past 10 years, the NHAI has collected more than ₹1,000 crore from the two toll plazas, but its ₹1,300-crore widening project remains stalled at several locations. Officials said they would complete the widening and flyover work by Dec.
