Chennai Road Projects Set for Fast-Tracking Initiatives

Highways Minister E.V. Velu has called for the expedited completion of crucial road infrastructure projects in and around Chennai, including the East Coast Road (ECR), the Tiruvallur-Chennai-Tirupati stretch, and the Chennai Port-Maduravoyal elevated expressway.

During a review meeting on Monday, which included Revenue Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran and district collectors, Velu emphasized the importance of addressing delays caused by various bottlenecks. He identified land acquisition, encroachments, and the relocation of high-tension power lines as significant challenges hindering progress.

Velu specifically highlighted the need to resolve the pending 490-meter clearance from the Army for the Maduravoyal expressway and to tackle encroachments along the Tiruvallur-Chennai route. He raised concerns about the relocation of high-tension power lines impacting a 31-km road project and instructed collectors from Kancheepuram and Ranipet districts to expedite the process.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of five major national highway projects. Officials were urged to fill vacancies in the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Authority (CALA) and to accelerate compensation for affected landowners.

ET