The Chennai Port-Maduravoyal elevated corridor, whose detailed project (DPR) is now under way, will now be six lanes wide. Earlier, the proposal was to construct only four lanes. However, to cater to more vehicles and in an effort to increase safety of users, the National Highways of India (NHAI) has planned the change.
The NHAI and State government are awaiting the final DPR being prepared by a consultant. The DPR will work on the design aspects of the elevated corridor that runs along the Cooum river for most part and also the revised cost estimate. The previous estimate for a four-lane facility running to 19 km was for ₹1,819 crore. But this would have to be revised due to cost escalation over the past few years.
A technical committee had suggested certain changes in the design of the pillars for the project that would de-congest Poonamallee High Road and improve traffic to the port. Port users expressed the hope that the project would begin and freight movement to the Chennai port would improve.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had announced that the project would be restarted in four months. “We hope the NHAI would stick to the schedule,” said a port user.
Meanwhile, official sources in the government said the extent of land belonging to the Navy had now been reduced owing to the fresh design. Similarly, the removal of encroachments along the river was being done on a fast mode. “Some work has been done already but more needs to be done. We are at it,” said the official.
