The Hindu                 30.04.2013

Work on laying road to Ananda Bridge begins

Land acquired after giving compensation to the owners.

The work on laying approach road on both sides of the Ananda Bridge has begun on Monday and it is expected to be completed in six months.

As part of Thirumanimutharu River Improvement Project, the construction of bridge connecting Second Agraharam Road and Town Railway Station Road was over at a cost of Rs. 1.4 crore, but could not be used as the approach road was not laid. Land acquisition for laying approach roads, financial constraints and other issues delayed the project for many years.

With increasing traffic congestion and the public demand for opening the bridge, a temporary approach road was laid allowing two-wheelers to use the bridge.

The Corporation officials then submitted a fresh proposal for land acquisition and permission for completing the project.

Clearance was obtained from Housing and Urban Development, Finance, Municipal Administration and Water Supply and Directorate of Town and Country Planning and the government allocated Rs. 3.8 crore for land acquisition.

After verification of documents, nine land owners were given a compensation of Rs. 1.8 crore while two land owners are to be given Rs. 2 crore for a total of 10,343.75 sq.ft. land acquired.

The building on the right side of the approach road on Agraharam Road is to be demolished and one side of the 70 m approach road is to be laid.

Likewise, a part of the building on the other side of the bridge is to be demolished and approach road laid.

Mayor S. Soundappan laid the foundation stone for the work.

Commissioner M. Ashokan, Deputy Mayor N. Natesan, Zone chairman, councillors, Superintending Engineers K. Balasubramaniam, Engineers G. Kamaraj, S. Venkatesh, A. Ashokan, and Assistant Engineer C. Ravi were present.