Polls may put brakes on delayed Vellore airport project

The Vellore collector SA Raman stated a month ago that the Asanambattu road would be blocked by the state highways department and handed over to the Erode based contractor. However, as it would cause inconvenience to the people who travel in the route, he said that the works will be taken up only after an alternative 1.50 kilometre long perimeter road is constructed. The road has still not been laid.

The runway is to be built on the left side of the Asanambattu road and the terminal and other civil structures are to be built on the right. Sources told DT Next that blocking the road would be essential for free movement between the two places while works go on.

When this reporter visited the site on Monday, work on both sides of the road had nearly been completed. If the road is blocked, the work on connecting both sides can be finished.

The sources further said that because of this delay, work on the civil structures has been stopped. “What is the use in completing civil works when the runway remains unfinished?” the sources questioned.

Highway officials are still in talks about laying the perimeter road. Vellore Collector SA Raman said, “The perimeter road is mainly to prevent any problems for locals when the Asanambattu road is blocked.”

Asked whether the poll code of conduct would affect the project, Raman said, “Work will be put on hold and will start only after May 23.”