Chennai: Metro grade separator work on slow track, say irked commuters
Chennai: While Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses have been instructed not to enter Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) to put the grade separator work on fast track, the state highways (metro wing) has failed to speed up the work.
According to sources, the State Highway (Metro Wing) took up this 1,055 meters grade separator works from State Election Commission office to Koyamedu interchanger a couple years ago. The stipulated time to complete four- lane works was June 28, 2018 and the estimation of works is Rs 93.5 crore. However, works are at snail pace and only some girders are in place.
Moreover, since the stretch to enter and exit the CMBT, it remains as a paramount connectivity for MTC buses. "We are aware of the fact that the stretch is important and we are doing possible works. Further, we have communicated state highway and police personnel to stop some route buses from entering the premise of CMBT so that we can speed up works," said an engineer, seeking anonymity.
Meanwhile, members from public and commuters have urged the officials concerned to complete the works soon. "Even though the flyover will ease pressure of traffic near CMBT, construction works should speedily be completed soon," said Robinson, program manager, Chennai City Connect. He welcomed that traffic jam was considerably low, after many flyovers came up in the city.
A. Kanakaraj, a motorist, said he did not feel any speed in the construction works. "I do not see any change in the stretch except some pillars. It is the high time the officials should speed up works," he said.
When contacted, a senior engineer, SH (Metro Wing) admitted that work was progressing slowly and attributed traffic congestion near CMBT. "How can we complete the work soon, when it is taking place near one of the biggest terminus. However, we are trying our best," he said.
