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The Union Minister of Shipping Road Transport and Highways, Thiru T. R. Baalu today said that good infrastructure is the key to fast economic growth and therefore, the Government would give top priority to development of National Highway network in the country. He was addressing media persons at the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony for construction of Grade Separators at the junctions of Kathipara, Koyambedu and Padi in Chennai city, construction of flyover at NH-45 (opposite Chennai airport) and construction of an underpass to connect Tirusulam Railway Station and the Chennai airport.
The foundation stone was laid by Dr. M. Karunanidhi. Thiru Baalu presided over the function and Thiru M. K. Stalin, MLA was the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Karunanidhi said the construction of these Grade Separators would go a long way in reducing traffic congestion in Chennai.
The Project has been taken up by the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Government of India through the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). The cost of the project is about Rs.200 Crore.
The Project has been necessitated because of alarming congestion of traffic at the above junctions leading to enormous wastage of time and fuel and causing environmental pollution. Free flow of traffic is seriously affected in NH-45 at the entry and exit of the Airport. The passengers alighting at Tirusulam Railway Station also find it difficult to cross NH-45 because of heavy vehicular traffic, often leading to accidents. It was, therefore, decided by the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways to improve these junctions by providing grade separators and an underpass at Tirusulam Railway Station. As the four kilometre section of NH-4 from Ambedkar Statue to Maduravoyal is only 2 lane wide whereas NH-4 on both sides of the section is 4 lane, it has been decided to widen this section also to 4 lane.
NHAI has appointed Tamil Nadu Road Development Company (TNRDC) as their Managing Associate to assist in project development and implementation. On the basis of international bidding, the work has been awarded to M/s.Somdatt-Simplex (Jt. Venture). The work is proposed to be completed in 24 months.
NSD/SB/BS
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