Date:16/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/16/stories/2008081657940100.htm

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Ellis Nagar bridge to be fully commissioned

S. Sundar

MADURAI: The long wait for more than three years to have smooth and shorter road connectivity between Periyar bus stand and western side of the city should be worth it.

The re-constructed road over-bridge (ROB), to become fully operational on Monday, is not only wider but also multi-armed.

“The old ROB linking Kattabomman statue and Arasaradi was only 7.5 metres wide — the width now ranges between 8.5 metres to 24 metres,” a Highways official said.

Three new arms have been introduced — one on western periphery of Periyar bus stand, one towards Ellis Nagar and the last towards Mahaboobpalayam /western entry of railway station.

The ROB, constructed in 1937, demanded major renovation for years. Work finally began in October 2004, only to be met with more troubles.

Land acquisition, shifting of drainage, water pipelines and telecom cables, among others, held it up.

Cost escalation almost stopped it for months.

Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin promised personal intervention.

Now, the ROB is ready, but not the service lanes and permanent foot-over bridge.

“Land acquisition for service lanes is pending with the Revenue Department and the Railways have to put up the foot-over bridge,” the official said.