The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans to float tenders in January for laying, relaying, and restoring over 5,500 roads to expedite work timelines. “These include interior roads and bus route roads. Tenders are typically issued in June or July, but to increase work speed, the tender process would be done sooner. Cost increase under schemes like Nagarpura Salai Membattu Thittam (NSMT), Tamil Nadu Urban Road Infrastructure Fund (TURIF), and Singara Chennai etc., are under review, with vetting currently underway. So far, the overall cost has not been decided yet,” stated a higher authority in the Works department. The State has earlier cited certain financial constraints, hence that is also being looked into, he said.
According to the official, earlier projects tendered in August for ₹250 crore have seen approximately 52% completion i.e. over 1,200 roads were relaid so far, and the remaining are set to be done from next year.
Meanwhile, road-cut restoration work continues across multiple zones, focusing on added areas. In Adyar Zone (XIII), repairs progressed despite rain. “On LDG Road, a pipe leak was repaired, and the road was restored to ensure public safety,” an engineer in the Zone said. Notably, road cuts were banned by the GCC in November owing to safety concerns amid rains.
In Sholinganallur Zone (XV), engineers began restoration work on December 19 after rains subsided.
In Sholinganallur Zone (XV), No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were received for 237 roads, with four completed and five in progress. Another 161 are set to begin, 26 await administrative sanction, and tenders are pending for the remaining 41 roads.
Tenders were also issued for restoring road cuts made for Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewage Board (CMWSSB) projects, with NOCs obtained for 18 roads, as of December 21. Restoration works are to be taken up on a portion of VGP Nagar Main, Brindavan Garden Main Road in Madhavaram Zone (III); and VOC Street Extension, Harichandra Main Road, and Rajendra Garden in Sholinganallur Zone (ZV).
To this, the higher authority noted that damp sub-surfaces could erode under anticipated heavy rains on December 27, but critical restorations where necessary are being undertaken by respective zonal officials for public convenience.
Published – December 22, 2024 01:06 am IST