NHAI plans better connectivity to tourist spots

According to NHAI officials, they undertook works in the stretch between Poonamallee-Walajapet and the road was converted into four-lane in 2007. In another project, the officials made efforts to make the same stretch sixlane and work commenced in 2013. However, such works, which should have been completed in 2015 were delayed due to land acquisition. Later, the tender was terminated on July 29, 2016. “Since the existing toll road is in a very bad condition, attracting public ire, agitations and litigations, we will accelerate land acquisition projects and take up works soon,” said a Senior Engineer, NHAI. He also added that the NHAI is also focusing on road connectivity to main tourist places. 

“As tourists visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Iyyan Thiruvalluvar Statue which are located on islands at a distance of 150 metres, there is no proper road connectivity. To provide a sea view at Kanniyakumari, the NHAI has proposed to construct a modern marine elevated steel cable bridge at a rough cost of Rs 125 crore, for safe transport of tourists from Vivekananda Rock to Thiruvalluvar statue, at a safe height,” said another engineer.

Similarly, the NHAI is exploring the possibility of providing road connectivity from the existing Cuddalore Port to NH-45 A “Cuddalore Port is being developed into a deep-water Port under the existing Coastal Berth scheme, at an estimated cost of Rs 135 crore, said another official. 

When contacted, a senior official of NHAI, on condition of anonymity, said “Soon, the state will have good road infrastructure, as union Road Transport ministry has proposed a sizable number of projects and all the works will be undertaken by NHAI.”