CMDA eyes fourth site for truck terminal

Friday, 12 May 2017 11:39
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The New Indian Express     12.05.2017 

CMDA eyes fourth site for truck terminal

CHENNAI: Two years after then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa announced in the Assembly that a truck terminal will be built at Ernavoor, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is still struggling to find land and has now zeroed in on a fourth site in neighbouring Tiruvallur district.

CMDA had earlier selected three locations for the `160 crore project. The first one was in Ernavoor. It was shelved as the land was being considered for developing a housing project for flood-affected families by the State housing board.

The second site was within  Sathangadu Iron and Steel Market, which was opposed by traders. Later,  planners advocated 66 acres of marsh land opposite the Sathangadu Iron and Steel Market, which was considered as a water course.

The third site now requires clearance from Public Works Department (PWD). The Tiruvallur Collector in the report has said that the opinion of PWD should be obtained after which the iron bridge on the site and waterway should be strengthened and widened to ensure free flow of water or else there is a threat of back water inundating the low-lying areas of Sathangadu.

Now, CMDA is eyeing the possibility of having it at Sadayankuppan in Tiruvallur district. Classified as ‘meikal poromboke’ (grassland), the 56.85 acres land has only 17 acres that is vacant. CMDA wants to club three acres to make it 20 acres for the project, sources said. The land is on Tiruottriyur-Ponneri Pancheti Road and has to be alienated in favour of CMDA. It is learnt that CMDA has requested the Collector for acquisition of the land.