GMR Infra commissions two highway projects ahead of schedule

GMR Infrastructure Limited has commenced the commercial operations of the Hyderabad – Vijayawada section of National Highway 9 and the Hungund – Hospet section of National Highway 13. With the commencement of these two projects, the Group now has a portfolio of eight operating highways. The two new projects are expected to generate revenue in the range of Rs 75 lakh to Rs 80 lakh per day for the former and Rs 18 lakh to Rs 20 lakh per day for the latter.

The Hyderabad – Vijayawada project was awarded through an international competitive bidding by NHAI on a DBFOT (design, build, finance, operate and transfer) basis with a concession period of 25 years including a construction period of 2.5 years. The four laning of the 181.5 km stretch has been completed as per requirements and also opened for traffic.

With the completion of four laning of Hyderabad – Vijayawada section of NH9, the distance of 260 km will be covered in less than 5 hours compared to 6 to 8 hours prior to the construction. Six new bypasses are developed around the towns of Narketpally, Nakrekal, Kodad, Akupamula, Sher Mohammed Peta and Navabpet, which aid in decongesting the towns.

“Construction of the flyovers, Vehicular Underpasses, Pedestrian Underpasses at various locations and bypasses listed above not only provide faster connectivity but also enhances safety and fuel efficiency of vehicles significantly reducing accidents, travel time and vehicle operating costs,” the company said in a statement.

The Hungund - Hospet Highway is part of the NH13 connecting Sholapur in Maharashtra and Mangalore in Karnataka and provides connectivity between mineral rich and highly industrialized districts of Karnataka and rest of India thus carrying heavy commercial traffic. It also links the local industry with Mangalore and Karwar ports for export. Thus the highway is expected to provide stimulus to the local steel, fertilizer and chemical industries. This project will also boost the tourism to Hampi, Kishkindha, Bellary Fort, and Badami etc, the company said.