Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Urban road development project in 10 local bodies

CHENNAI: Chennai, Madurai and Tiruchi are among the urban local bodies identified for the first phase of the Tamil Nadu Urban Roads Development Project.

Initially, the projects will be implemented in 10 local bodies for upgrading roads to international standards. Pavements, storm-water drains and ducts will be provided. The other local bodies are, Alandur, Valasaravakkam, Tiruneveli, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai and Karur-Inam Karur.

A provision of Rs.1,000 crore was made in the budget. Though the list of the local bodies is provisional, officials of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department say the project will be taken up in the local bodies where the underground drainage project has been completed.

A special purpose vehicle may be set up and local bodies may enter into an agreement with it for carrying out the projects. The reason for the special purpose vehicle is that many local bodies do not have the expertise to lay world class roads.

A consultant for design, supervision and monitoring of the work will be appointed and will go into the details of existing roads in each local body. Future requirements, either in the area of roads or flyovers of vehicular subways, will be indicated. Maintenance of the improved roads for five years will be among the responsibilities of the executing agencies.

A Tamil Nadu urban road infrastructure fund will be created, and the State government will make substantial contributions.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu