Sources in NHAI said the work would commence in a couple of months, while officials in the state said they have asked the agency to put the work on fast track. The NHAI had handed over the project to the state highways department to take up widening works on the 22-km stretch from Padi to Thirunindravur after facing several hurdles including stiff opposition from the locals and vendors to land acquisition. The NHAI were also unable to undertake widening works on 12-km stretch between Thirunindravur to Thiruppachaur falling under Thiruvallur district.  

“We are satisfied that land acquisition issues have come to an end; we will resume works soon,” said a senior NHAI engineer on condition of anonymity. He added that they also removed encroachments along the roads for taking up works without any more hindrance. This has elated motorists and local public who have been struggling with increasing congestion on the stretch. 

S Mohanram, a civic activist and president of Consumer Protection Council, Thirunindravur, said, “It has almost been four years since the project was announced. Even though officials had earlier assured that works would soon be taken up, there were delays beyond the reason cited. We are hoping that CTH expansion work will be completed soon.”  Highways play an important role in connecting other parts of the districts and states, Mohanram said, urging officials to accelerate the works. 

When contacted, Tiruvallur District Collector E Sundaravalli said, “We have already communicated to the NHAI officials regarding this, and have asked them to put this work on fast track.” The district administration, she added, would take up the matter with the NHAI again, asking them to take up the work without any further delay.