Civic infrastructure project works that were suspended owing to the
Dr. Radhakrishan Nagar byelection resumed on Monday after the model code
of conduct was lifted.

Greater Chennai Corporation had not been
able to commence work on restoring the infrastructure damaged by Cyclone
Vardah because of the delay in getting clearance from the Election
Commission . Work orders for at least 500 parks, 7600 streetlights, 471
road pavements and 86 bus shelters at Rs. 75 crore were issued before
the announcement of byelection but the work did not commence. These
works was expected to resume this week.

“We had written to the
Election Commission . But there was no response. So we had to wait. Work
did not start in any of the 15 zones,” an official said .

The work on developing a bridge on the Manali Salai and Kathivakkam High Road would also resume this week.

The
Chennai Corporation had finalised bids for the Rs. 117 crore project
and issued work order a few months ago. The civic body had started the
work but the work was suspended after announcement of the byelection.
Work on the eco-park in Barathi Nagar along the Buckingham Canal would
also be resume this week. The work started a few months ago in a land
measuring six acres at a cost of Rs. 9.8 crore and the work was was
suspended once the model code came into force. Another project to
construct retaining walls along Captain Cotton Canal would begin this
week.

According to official sources, roads and bridges damaged in
Cyclone Vardah would be restored at Rs. 136 crore shortly. Work on
restoration of damaged stormwater drains at Rs. 35 crore, playgrounds at
Rs. 8 crore, parks at Rs. 28 crore, electrical fittings at Rs. 44
crore, public buildings at Rs. 17 crore, hospitals at Rs. 3 crore and
revenue collection facilities at Rs. 3.5 crore would also be taken up
shortly.