Having already missed several deadlines, the project to make Madukkari – Walayar stretch into a four-lane one is not likely to be completed by the end of July too.
Sources in know of the details of the project said that the concessionaire, who is executing the task under build-operate-transfer mode, needs Rs. 40 crore more to complete the works.
Officials in National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been talking to bankers and the concessionaire and have also submitted the details to the Union Government. And, more such meetings are expected.
The sources said that though the main carriageway has been developed on Madukkarai-Walayar stretch, some more works are pending and these have not progressed for the last three months.
The concessionaire is expected to look at different ways to raise resources to complete the project and the banks are also expected to support the company so that works can be completed.
The Central Government might not be able to extend financial support as it is a BOT project. There is an urgent need to expedite works on the stretch as southwest monsoon has set in and it will be difficult to take up even maintenance work, the sources say.
The project to widen the road for 54 km in two segments - Chengapalli-Neelambur (six-lane) and Madukkarai-Walayar (four-lane) - was taken up in 2010 at a cost of Rs. 850 crore on build-operate-transfer mode. With works almost completed on Chengapalli-Neelambur segment, the concessionaire has started toll collection at Arasur.
K. Kathirmathiyon, secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, says that since the project has been delayed for a long duration now, the Central Government should intervene and look at various possibilities, including supporting the concessionaire to complete the project. Only then will road users benefit from it, he said.
