Date:04/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/04/stories/2008120458860300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Alandur prefers to merge with Chennai Corporation

Special Correspondent

Elected representatives passed a resolution favouring the proposal

— Photo: A. Muralitharan

Set to change: A pedestrian subway across the railway track near A.J.S.Nidhi School in Adambakkam was approved by councillors of Alandur Municipality on Wednesday.

Chennai: At a meeting of the Alandur Municipal Council on Wednesday, its elected representatives passed a resolution favouring the merger of the local body with Chennai Corporation.

The resolution comes in the wake of a recent public consultation organised by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority on the creation of the proposed Tambaram Corporation for the southern suburbs of Chennai.

Five alternative plans were given to residents and the Alandur Council has accepted the fifth one.

This plan includes the existing Chennai Corporation, Alandur Municipality, Meenambakkam, Nandambakkam and the Information Technology Corridor. Briefing reporters, R.S. Bharathi, Alandur Municipal Chairman said that they opted for this alternative plan as they felt it was best for the local body.

Mr. Bharathi, who did not attend the public consultation held at Tambaram, said even civic groups had submitted their representations, expressing a similar opinion.

At the meeting, the councillors gave their consent for constructing road overbridges near the existing Thillaiganga Nagar subway and at the railway level crossing near A.M. Jain College. Mr. Bharathi said Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited would be preparing detailed project reports for the same.

Councillors also gave their nod for construction of a pedestrian subway to replace the railway level crossing at Ponniamman Temple (Level Crossing No. 14).

The council also passed a resolution seeking the construction of a pedestrian subway across the railway track near A.J.S. Nidhi School. A level crossing (Level Crossing No. 15), near this government aided school was closed down after the completion of the vehicular subway near St. Thomas Mount Railway station.

Councillors said that a subway was needed at this spot as many pedestrians have been killed after being hit by electric trains while crossing the railway track.