DPR for intra-city corridor to be re-drawn

Though the Housing Department had completed the DPR, it was found lacking in viability, said sources. It should be noted that Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has again called for bids for the DPR for the elevated corridor. 

It may be recalled that the project, aimed at reducing the highly-congested NH 45 between Chennai and Chengalpattu, was announced in the State Assembly in July, 2014, by the then Housing and Urban Development Minister R Vaithilingam. 

Highways department officials said, “The main issue is getting permission from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) as the elevated corridor traverses NHAI land.” But NHAI officials, when asked, said they were in the dark about the elevated corridor project. 

The project envisages an elevated roadway connecting both points to lower the traffic density between the destinations. Studies have revealed that the intra-city stretch of NH45 is used by upto two lakh vehicles on a daily basis. 

If the project is completed, vehicles such as cars would use the elevated corridor, while heavy vehicles and buses will use regular passage. Madhavan (45), a regular commuter on this stretch, said, “It will reduce the travel period owing to lesser congestion.” Tirusulam was chosen as the starting point as there was enough space for the elevated corridor ramp there.