Date:24/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/24/stories/2008012459961000.htm

Tamil Nadu

High-speed transportation corridor to ease traffic congestion in Chennai

Special Correspondent

Feasibility study for the project has commenced

Elevated express highway from Maduravoyal to Chennai port approved
Centre urged to sanction doubling of the Villupuram–Dindigul segment

CHENNAI: The State Government has decided to construct a circular high-speed transportation corridor connecting important roads to reduce traffic congestion in the city.

Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, in his address in the Assembly on Wednesday, said like in other major cities, the Government wanted to construct a high-speed corridor in Chennai. A feasibility study was being undertaken for the project.

Metro rail project

The Government was in the process of implementing the Rs.9,757-crore metro rail project to meet the growing traffic requirements of the city. The detailed project report, prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, had been sent to the Centre for getting financial assistance from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

To improve connectivity to the Chennai Port, an elevated express highway from Maduravoyal to the port, at a cost of Rs.1,468 crore, had been approved by the Centre. Preliminary work was under way.

The government also urged the Union Planning Commission and the Centre to approve doubling of the Villupuram–Dindigul segment. The Governor said the Chennai-Madurai rail link was vital for people in the southern districts. By doubling the Villupuram-Dindigul section, it would be possible to operate more trains to the southern districts.

Airport expansion

Noting that it was “essential to expand and modernise existing airports at Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Madurai and Tuticorin and set up new airports at Vellore and Salem,” the government said it would “continue to urge” the Centre “to accord high priority to these airports.”

Linking of rivers

The State had requested the Centre to provide financial assistance at least for the scheme to link rivers with the State in the 11th plan. “Without any further loss of time, this government will expeditiously take up the preliminary works for this project,” said Mr. Barnala.

Also, a major scheme will be implemented in water deficit areas in the State from the ensuing financial year for storing unutilised water in rivers, rivulets and streams in check dams.

The Governor urged the Centre to provide financial assistance to the State to compensate those affected by the recent rain, based on the report of the Central team. If this was done, then comprehensive restoration works could be taken up in affected areas, he added.