The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has selected Louis Berger to provide consultancy services for the preparation of detailed designs to upgrade two roads with a combined length of around 820km. 

Through these road packages in southern India under the Bharatmala-Pariyojna scheme, the government aims to develop economic and interstate transport corridors, feeder routes and coastal thoroughfares in a bid to improve freight movement in the country.

Louis Berger Asia senior vice-president and managing director Kshitish Nadgauda said: "We are honoured to support India’s objectives for two of its key road projects to better serve motorists across several states.

"These projects will make the roads wider, safer and more efficient, while protecting the environment and enabling local and regional economic development."

As part of the project, the highway between the state of Tamil Nadu and the union territory of Puducherry in the Indian southern peninsula, and the road that connects the nearby states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Goa, will be upgraded. 

"These projects will make the roads wider, safer and more efficient, while protecting the environment and enabling local and regional economic development."

Initially, the company will establish the technical, economic and financial viability of the existing road modernisation projects.

After preparing the design, it will carry out all necessary studies to support interstate four or six-lane road and economic transport corridor development.

Furthermore, various funding options will be evaluated for the modernisation works. 

Works involved in the projects include widening and alignment of road, carrying out upgrades to intersections, bridges, bypasses and service roads, new toll plaza design; and improvements for better traffic flow. 

Image: Louis Berger is supporting the Indian Government to modernise roads in southern India. Photo: courtesy of Louis Berger.