Amid Protests, New Toll Plaza on Salem-Aroor Highway Is Now Open - Check Toll Fees

A new toll booth at H. Pudupatti on the Salem-Aroor National Highway commenced operations today, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announcing the official tariff for all vehicle categories. The plaza is part of the recently completed four-lane highway project aimed at improving connectivity between Salem and Chennai.

The newly constructed four-lane highway, built at a cost of ₹320 crore, connects Vaniyambadi in Tirupattur district with Salem and Uthangarai in Krishnagiri district with Pallipatti in Dharmapuri district.

This route provides a crucial alternative to the often-congested Kallakurichi-Ulundurpet road, which has been the primary route for vehicles travelling from Salem to Chennai. The other option via Tirupattur was less favoured due to its previous two-lane configuration.

However, the opening of the toll plaza, constructed at a cost of ₹11 crore near Pappireddipatti, has drawn criticism. Political parties, including the PMK, have voiced their opposition, arguing that the toll collection is premature as the work on the Aroor-Ayodhyapatnam section of the road is still incomplete. They have demanded that the toll booth only begin operations after all construction is finished.

Despite the objections, the NHAI has proceeded with the toll collection.

Toll Fees

The NHAI has released a detailed fare chart for vehicles using the Pappireddipatti toll plaza: