The Hindu 04.07.2013
Jayalalithaa sanctions road and bridge projects
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Wednesday gave administrative sanction for road and bridge projects in different parts of the State at an investment of around Rs.258 crore.
The projects, including one in her Srirangam constituency, are expected to improve connectivity, reduce travel time and result in fuel savings.
In a statement, Ms. Jayalalithaa said the 85-year-old iron bridge on Chennai-Dindigul National Highway, linking Tiruchi and Srirangam, will be replaced by a four-lane bridge. As part of the Rs.81-crore project, upgradation work would also be undertaken on a small bridge across the Ayyan canal and junction. The project was necessitated as the iron bridge, built in 1927, was damaged and as a result closed for heavy vehicles.
The Chief Minister also gave administrative sanction for the Rs.18.25-crore project to make a 17-km stretch of road in Kodaikanal two-lane, besides constructing small bridges and retention walls.
The statement said Ms. Jayalalithaa accorded administrative clearance to replace the bridge across River Cauvery in Palakkarai, a move that would help reduce travel time to Kumbakonam town. The new facility would come up at a cost of Rs.5 crore. The existing bridge on the Vikkaravandi -Kumbakonam-
Thanjavur Road, has been closed for traffic in view of its condition.
She also sanctioned Rs.1.8 crore towards preparation of detailed project reports for the flyovers proposed at the junctions of Five Roads and Kurunguchavadi. These facilities were aimed at reducing the traffic congestion in Salem city.
Ms. Jayalalithaa also ordered improvement of the roads, damaged due to the movement of heavy vehicles engaged in limestone and cement quarries, in Ariyalur and Perambalur districts. While roads to the extent of 42 km would be improved at a cost of Rs.86.45 crore in Ariyalur, in Perambalur the improvement project would involve 36.80 km of roads entailing an expenditure of Rs.65.92 crore.
