Land acquisition delay: NHAI calls for fresh tender

Sources said that the NHAI handed over the tender to a contractual agency (L&T) to take up the works two years ago in the Chennai-Tada stretch (Chennai-Kolkata national highway) covering a distance of 43.34 km to convert the four-lane highway into a six-lane one. 

However, the NHAI was sluggish in acquiring lands and this prompted the contractual agency to serve notice for terminating the project. The agency had already completed 50 percent works in the stretch.

“We have floated a fresh tender as we have completed Land Acquisition (LA). Another contractual agency (SPL) has taken over. We even have started spadework on the stretch. Earlier, it was difficult for us to acquire land and it consumed the time. Even though we explained the reason behind the delay, the previous agency served notice to us,” said a NHAI official. Works are being done round the clock and is expected to complete as soon as possible, added the official.

As far as the six-lane Walajapet-Poonamallee section is concerned, works are still under preliminary stage. “Even though we acquired enough lands for the 93-km stretch from Walajapet to Poonamallee Chennai-Bangaluru highway, we were needed to float a fresh tender. Works will soon be taken after we are through with the tender process,” said the official.

Speaking to DT Next, G Athipathi, Project Director, Chennai, NHAI, said, “We have started taking works on the Chennai-Tada stretch. We have been trying to complete all the NHAI project as quickly as possible.” He further said that the work will be completed by the end of this year.