Highways Minister Inspects Key Road Development Works along ECR

Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports Minister of Tamil Nadu E.V. Velu inspected major infrastructure development works in progress along the East Coast Road (ECR) on Thursday. The visit was to inspect the rate of progress and ensure that the works were being done within timelines as well as quality levels.

As part of the constant initiatives by the State Highways Department to enhance road infrastructure and ease traffic congestion, a major overhaul is underway on the 10.5-kilometre stretch between Akkarai and Thiruvanmiyur. The road is being upgraded to a six-lane road to meet the growing number of commuters and improve safety on the high-density coastal road.

Minister Velu also toured the laying of stormwater drains along the ECR as part of monsoon urban flooding mitigation, during the tour. He also toured plans for the widening of roads around the centuries-old Arulmigu Marundeeswarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur. The proposal is an attempt to facilitate the easy and safe passage of the temple’s ceremonial car during religious processions, which draw large crowds.

As a major proposal, the State Highways Department has also suggested building a 14-kilometre flyover from Thiruvanmiyur to Uthandi. The flyover, if sanctioned and built, would ensure a smooth over-pass along the ECR, cutting travel time significantly and decongesting traffic in the region.

Minister Velu was accompanied by senior officials of the Highways Department and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department when he made the inspection. The officials discussed the interdepartmental coordination required to put into practice these development schemes in a smooth manner, particularly in religious and cultural locations.

The inspection is part of the broader commitment of the government towards the  upgradation of infrastructure in Tamil Nadu with a focus on sustainable urbanization and higher connectivity