Delay in completion of NHAI projects drives trucks to city roads

While NHAI officials attributed the delay of these projects to slow process of land acquisitions and pending cases before the court, activists expressed concerns about the increasing volume of vehicles and urged the government to speed up the process of creating a proper road infrastructure.

NHAI sources said that projects like PortMaduravoyal and ChennaiTiruppathi Highways (CTH), which started some years ago, are yet to be completed due to various reasons. A senior engineer of NHAI said, “We are taking all possible measures to continue road works wherever they are stalled.

Unlike in the past, both state and Centre are keen to improve road connectivity in the city.”

S Mohanram, president of Thirunindravur Consumer Protection Council said, “Though it is true that a few road projects are delayed due to opposition from public and traders and reluctance in land acquisition, NHAI should take appropriate steps to prevent trucks and containers from entering the city. However, if the existing projects are completed, the traffic inside the city will flow smoothly and Chennai will be preferable place for industrial sectors.” He added that the NHAI should also ensure proper service roads with parking facilities, as drivers of such vehicles park in unauthorized areas.

When contacted, a senior NHAI official on condition of anonymity said, “Every NHAI project is under discussion and we are continuously in touch with the state government and Union road ministry officials. We are in the hope that works in all the pending projects will start soon, as state government has provided clearance certificates.” Detailed Project Reports (DPR) for existing projects are underway, he added.

PENDING PROJECTS: CTH Road 2 lane Port- Maduravoyal Project 4 lane ChennaiTada- 6 lane Vandalur Outer Ring Road- 3 lane.