| Work Detail |
Tamil Nadu PWD Minister E V Velu recently affirmed the DMK government’s full support for the ?3,570-crore Port–Maduravoyal elevated expressway project by signing the state support agreement, facilitating smoother implementation of the Centre-led initiative. The long-delayed project, originally launched during the Congress-led UPA regime, was halted by the J Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government in 2012. Work resumed after a fresh push from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), with the work order issued in November 2023. However, site handover took place only in May last year due to issues raised by the Water Resources Department (WRD), Velu said. Responding to a special calling attention motion raised by KMDK MLA E R Eswaran in the Assembly, the minister provided an update on the projects progress. Of the total 5,296 piles, 812 have been constructed, along with 41 of the 882 pile caps. Velu noted that work was temporarily halted for three months during the last monsoon season due to an order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The expressway, which spans 15 km above the Cooum River, has secured a no-objection certificate from the WRD. Velu added that superstructures for the project are being built at two casting yards, with 14 segments completed out of 9,415 planned. To accelerate the project, Velu said he is holding regular review meetings with stakeholders including NHAI, WRD, Tangedco, the police, Greater Chennai Corporation, TN Urban Habitat Development Board, Indian Navy, and contractors. He also indicated steps are underway to resettle people living along the Cooum’s banks and to relocate power infrastructure. MLA Eswaran suggested naming the expressway after former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and proposed its extension from Poonamallee to the Outer Ring Road. |
