IT and ITeS companies have raised the issue of poor infrastructure in the city, traffic congestion along Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR), challenges to safety and security of employees and issues relating to toll collection for road users within city limits. Various line agencies of the government will conduct a high-level meeting on December 3 to sort out issues and develop civic infrastructure in the vicinity of IT companies.
For example, IT majors in Sholinganallur have pointed to inadequate civic infrastructure in the area, leading to traffic congestion along Rajiv Gandhi Salai. ELCOT has already allocated 50 acres for Satyam, 80 acres for Wipro, 50 acres for HCL, 20 acres for Cognizant Technology Solutions and 15 acres for Sutherland in Sholinganallur. “Representatives of 60,000 employees in the ELCOSEZ in Sholinganallur have demanded better civic infrastructure. Toll collection in the Chennai Corporation limits is yet another concern of IT employees,” said an official.
Commuters’ nightmare
“Traffic congestion at Sholinganallur junction is causing difficulty for motorists. Diversion by the traffic police is making matters worse. It is delaying commuters," said D. Robinson, an employee of TCS.
Former Chennai Mayor and DMK district secretary Ma. Subramanian said the opposition has been organising protests against the delay in development of civic infrastructure in such areas. “Work on drainage along ECR has started following protest. The gaps in infrastructure should be identified to promote IT industry in the city. Toll collection on Rajiv Gandhi Salai in the city is also affecting local residents and IT professionals,” he said.
Sources from the IT sector said that the meeting will be convened regarding infrastructure issues. “We will be making a representation to the government regarding challenges on Rajiv Gandhi Salai pertaining to toll roads and encroachments among others,” said an IT sector source.