Delay in 46-km ring road project irks locals

WITH the State expecting the arrival of monsoon in the coming days, Jeeyapuram residents have raised concerns over the inexplicable delay in the completion of the 46-km ring road project near their locality. This crucial National Highway Author-ity of India (NHAI) project connecting Tiruchy to Karur, Dindigul, Madurai, Pudukkottai, and Thanjavur districts has been delayed for the last few years. Work on the project started in 2009 and al-most 80 per cent of the work completed. How-ever, the construction firm responsible for the project has not made any progress on work for the Tiruchy to Ma-thur stretch. "Completion of this project will help people from almost five districts. It is still unclear why the project has been delayed for a long time. The authorities should take necessary steps to ensure the project is completed," said S Krishna, a Jeeyapuram resident.

 Though a portion of the road is in very bad condition, two-wheeler riders still use it "We use the road to avoid heavy traffic. How-ever, it would be difficult to use this road during the rainy season. A two-wheeler could skid, so, it would be a great help to commuters if NHAI finishes the pro-ject before the monsoon," said K Bhuwaneswa ran. Meanwhile, residents also said the area is un-afe at night "There are so many deserted areas on the unfinished portion of the road. Secondly, there is no lighting in those areas Anti-social elements usually camp at these places at night, making it very risky to use this road," said Sinduja, a resident Some commuters opined the administration should direct police to patrol these location & "If the situation continues, this road would be a safety hazard for residents. The administration should give instructions to in-crease patrolling in the area," said N Elangovan, a resident. NHAI sources claimed they are planning to terminate the con-tract with the construction firm.

The project was awarded to a Hyderabad-based firm They are fadng a finandal crisis and responsible for the delay. Therefore, we are planning to terminate the contract and float a new tender.