Date:28/03/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/03/28/stories/2009032858340300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

Median built on Panagal Road to be demolished

No revenue loss to be incurrred: Corporation Commissioner

— Photo: S. James

SHORT-LIVED structure: Corporation Commissioner S. Sebastine inspecting the median on Panagal Road in the city on Friday.

MADURAI: Amid criticism of inconvenience caused to road users, Corporation Commissioner S. Sebastine, on Friday, ordered the demolition of median under construction on Panagal Road.

The Commissioner, who inspected the road and enquired with the people over there, said that the median on the entire one-km-stretch of road from Goripalayam to Anna Bus Stand would be demolished.

“The Corporation will not incur any revenue loss on account of the demolition. The construction has been taken up by an advertising agency. The Corporation has only given permission for the agency. It has also got clearance from the city police,” Mr. Sebastine said.

Congestion

Ever since the construction of the median began, traffic on the busy road started to slow down causing congestion. “At times, ambulances found it difficult to enter/come out of the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) due to the congestion,” Madurai West MLA K.S.K. Rajendran said.

CPI (M) district secretary R. Annadurai objected to the construction that would “benefit an individual at the cost of the convenience of the common man.” Instead of a median in the narrow stretch of road, the officials should try to widen it for free flow of traffic, both the leaders said.

The road had already been narrowed down by the subway in front of the GRH and parking of mini buses and halting of buses at bus stops. The demolition work would start immediately, Mr. Sebastine said.