Widening of ECR from Kottivakkam to Akkarai to be accomplished by Jan.

The widening of the East Coast Road (ECR) from Kottivakkam to Akkarai, for a size of 8.6 km, right into a six-lane freeway, is more likely to be accomplished by the tip of January.

Highways Minister E.V. Velu stated the implementation of the mission had been lengthy delayed resulting from points pertaining to land acquisition, which have now been rectified.

Sources within the Highways Department stated the method of land acquisition was virtually completed for some components of a 1.2-km stretch. “There have been some discrepancies in land data. Those have been set proper. The disbursement of cost to the homeowners of those land parcels shall be taken up quickly,” the supply stated.

The mission to widen the street from Thiruvanmiyur to Akkarai was introduced approach again in 2005, together with a token quantity of ₹10 crore.

However, it didn’t take off resulting from a number of components, together with court docket instances involving a lot of small properties and frequent sale of lands main to alter in title deeds.

Though the mission gathered pace in 2018-19, when parts of the street have been widened wherever doable, it got here to a grinding halt throughout COVID-19, and picked up tempo simply final 12 months.

Residents increase concern

P. Suresh, a resident of ECR, stated the widening had led to automobiles being parked on the outermost lanes.

“We proceed to limit driving to the 2 lanes on the centre. Before the median was constructed, we have been capable of overtake automobiles. But now, that isn’t doable, and we’re driving on the identical gradual pace. What is required is healthier site visitors regulation,” he additional stated.

Parameswaran of Palavakkam stated that because the properties acquired weren’t in a straight line, the roads have been curved, and so have been the storm-water drains that run alongside them.

“The mud piles close to the storm-water drain in Injambakkam have grass rising on them. Moreover, the newly constructed footpaths are encroached upon, forcing pedestrians to stroll on the carriageway,” he added.