NHAI submits DPR for Maduravoyal-port corridor project

Chennai

“The NHAI is likely to approve the DPR submitted by the consultant, Larsen and Turbo (L&T),” a top official said. “For this purpose, we are planning to acquire around 3 hectares land. We are planning to utilise 15 per cent of piers laid a couple of years ago. We will soon go for the bidding and expedite the completion process.”

Earlier, the project was based on the Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT) model. Apparently, the DPR has not included the revenue model which needs to be mentioned to get funding under the Bharatmala project. It is likely to be converted to engineering procurement and construction (EPC) model.

The elevated corridor will link Chennai Port-Maduravoyal with a deck width of 29 meters. It will have 10 entry and exit ramps. The exit ramps will be built at Kamarajar Salai, Spur Tank Road, Koyambedu and entry ramps were proposed at Sivananda Salai, College Road, Koyambedu, et al. At the time of initial announcement, it was a four-lane project with a deck width of 17 meters.

Upon its completion, the congestion of vehicles along the Chennai Port will be reduced. The elevated expressway will mitigate the traffic congestion and facilitate smooth flow of container lorries towards the port. Also, it will indirectly boost the business of the port. It was inaugurated as a solution to the shrinking business of the Chennai port in 2009.

The project came to a screeching halt when the state government in 2012 ordered to halt it after identifying deviation from the original plan. It was specified then that piers were built inside the riverbed.