The Tamil Nadu Public Works Department (PWD) Minister E V Velu has confirmed the DMK government’s full cooperation for the Rs 35.70-billion Port–Maduravoyal elevated expressway project by signing the State Support Agreement. This move is expected to facilitate the smooth implementation of the Centre-led infrastructure initiative.

Originally launched during the Congress-led UPA regime, the expressway project was stalled in 2012 by the AIADMK government under J Jayalalithaa. The project was revived after renewed efforts by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which issued the work order in November 2023. However, site handover occurred only in May last year due to objections raised by the Water Resources Department (WRD).

In a recent update presented in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, the PWD Minister provided details on the current status of the project. Out of the 5,296 planned piles, 812 have been constructed, and 41 out of 882 pile caps have been completed. Work faced a temporary three-month halt during the last monsoon season following an order from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The 15-kilometre expressway, which is being built over the Cooum River, has now received the necessary no-objection certificate from the WRD. Construction of the superstructure is progressing at two designated casting yards, with 14 segments completed out of a total 9,415.

To ensure faster progress, regular review meetings are being conducted involving key stakeholders such as NHAI, WRD, Tangedco, the police, Greater Chennai Corporation, Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, the Indian Navy, and contractors. Efforts are also underway to resettle families residing along the riverbanks and to relocate electricity infrastructure as part of the project execution.

Additionally, suggestions have been made in the Assembly to name the expressway after former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and to extend it from Poonamallee to the Outer Ring Road.

News source: News on Projects