VILLUPURAM: The work on the construction of four-lane road from Tindivanam to Tiruchi has been expedited so as to complete it six months ahead of schedule. Originally, it is to be over by April 2009, but the contractors were directed to complete the works by December 2008, according to T. R. Baalu, Union Minister for Shipping and Surface Transport.

Mr. Baalu visited Tindivanam and Villupuram areas on Friday to inspect the progress of works on the Kandampakkam railway bridge, the rail bridge across the Then Pennaiyar and the bypass road at Ulundurpet.

Later, addressing the presspersons, Mr. Baalu said the Tindivanam-Tiruchi four-lane project had been divided into three sectors — from Tindivanam to Ulundurpet, a distance of 72.9 km to be executed at a cost of Rs.480 crore; from Ulundurpet to Padalur, a distance of 94 km at an estimated cost of Rs.460 crore; and from Padalur to Tiruchi, 38.5 km at a cost of Rs. 320 crore.

Each sector had been assigned to one contractor, he said. He noted that the funds would be utilised for the construction of the four-lane as well as bypass roads.Bypass roads would be coming up at three places in Villupuram district: from Kidangal to Singanur (5.1 km), from Muthapalayam to Janakipuram railway cross (8.6 km) and from Senkurichi to Pali (7.4 km).

In this stretch, six major bridges, three railway over-bridges and five under passages would be built. Mr. Baalu said that between Madhurandagam and Tindivanam 28 shelters for the benefit of passengers would be set up at a cost of Rs. 8 crore. He expressed satisfaction over the progress of works he inspected. Those who accompanied the Minister included District Collector Brajendra Navnit, Member of the National Highways Authority of India A.V. Sinha, Chief General Manager Vasan, and Deputy General Manager L.T. Padhy.

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