T.N. CM writes to Nitin Gadkari expressing disappointment over remark on non-cooperation for highway projects
The Hindu
The Union Road Transport Minister, had, in reply to a question by DMK MP Dayanadhi Maran in Parliament, said the Centre needed the cooperation of State governments to undertake and complete projects; CM Stalin said T.N. was taking all efforts to support NHAI
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday wrote to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, expressing disappointment over the latter’s reply in Parliament to DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran’s request for improving the condition of the existing road stretch from Chennai to Ranipet (NH-4).
The stretch provides vital connectivity from Chennai city and its ports to the industrial clusters in Kancheepuram, Vellore, Ranipet, Hosur and Krishnagiri, he noted.
“The condition of the road is so bad that I had to plan my recent visits to a few districts by train. While the request from our MP was very specific on this important road, we were disappointed with your reply which was very general and non-committal, Mr. Stalin pointed out.
The CM also noted that six-laning work was in progress in the Sriperumbudur to Walajapet section of NH-4, but the work has been held up due to contractual issues between the contractors and NHAI and hence the condition of the existing road is very bad.
Mr. Stalin also cited that Madras High Court order in December 2020 directing the reduction of the toll fee at Sriperumbudur and Chennasamudram Toll plaza by 50% due to such poor maintenance.
The poor road conditions and the difficulties faced by road users have caused a major dent in the reputation of NHAI, which otherwise has been doing an excellent job in the State, he noted and requested Mr. Gadkari to issue suitable instructions to be issued to NHAI officials to expedite the six-laning work, and to maintain the road stretch in good condition.
The CM further noted that it was unfortunate that an impression that the State government was not cooperating with NHAI has been underlined in Mr. Gadkari’s reply in Parliament.
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