NHAI to revive 6-laning of Chennai-Kolkata Highway

The six-lane expansion of Chennai-Tada section (Chennai-Kolkata Highway) covering 43.34 km is still hanging in the balance, after the contractual agency (L&T) served notice to the NHAI and terminated the project. 

However, NHAI officials say that they are taking necessary measures to complete the half-finished works soon. Sources said that works were intermittently stopped due to various reasons including local people putting stiff opposition during land acquisition for the project. Such delay prompted the contracting agency to terminate the works midway. 

Only 50 per cent of works were completed. Further, there was also a case regarding the land acquisition in Delhi. The project also included big and small bridges and a sizeable number of flyovers and underpasses that needed to be constructed.

Meanwhile, motorists complained that the toll plaza near Karanodai bridge was collecting money already even as the work remained incomplete. “How can the government turn a blind eye to this,” asked S Mohanram, an activist. He added that the Chennai-Tada project was a good initiative for the Chennai’s road infrastructure growth and progress of trade and commerce in the state.  

“We are in touch with the Union Ministry for Road Transportation in this regard and things are positive. Projects will be revived and completed by the end of year,” said an official. They would also decide soon on floating tenders, the official added. When contacted, Athipathi, Project Director, NHAI, Chennai, said that they would soon quicken the pace of the project. 

“The NHAI faced difficulties such as land acquisition and so we could not proceed. However, we have received a positive nod from the Union Msinistry and works will be undertaken soon,” he said. The estimation of the project would also be revised, he added.