40 bus routes to get priority makeover

These are likely to be frequented by delegates to the Global Investors’ Meet

March 31, 2015 12:00 am | Updated 08:19 am IST - CHENNAI:

Cathedral Road is one of the stretches which may get a makeover— Photo: M. Karunakaran

Cathedral Road is one of the stretches which may get a makeover— Photo: M. Karunakaran

Following persistent delays in shifting of utilities by line agencies, the Chennai Corporation has decided to prioritise the makeover of 40 bus routes, likely to be frequented by delegates of the Global Investors’ Meet in May.

‘Legal challenges’

“The work order was delayed because of various legal challenges. The line agencies are yet to complete digging work. We will complete work on 40 important roads by May 15,” said an official.

The roads include stretches leading up to heritage sites, the Secretariat, Kapaleeswarar and Parthasarathy temples, IT hubs, the airport and port. The civic body has issued work order for 194 roads, and they will have better pedestrian facilities, including zebra crossing and footpaths.

The Corporation has planned to reduce the number of roads covered under the project following a study of pavement conditions done using advanced technology.

Non-invasive technology

After screening 197 roads using non-invasive technology, a private agency has recommended shelving of work on some roads that are in good condition.

“This is the first time roads are getting a makeover based on analysis of data collected using non-invasive technology,” said an official.

Kamarajar Salai in Virugambakkam, 3{+r}{+d}Main Road in Besant Nagar and Water Tank Road in Arumbakkam are among the roads found to be in good condition.

No relaying work will be taken up on such roads, officials added.

“A few of the roads relaid two years ago were included in the list generated for relaying,” said an official.

In addition to shelving some road work, the civic body is also likely to postpone work on 50 roads because of digging of roads for fault rectification by Tangedco. Metrowater will also dig 10 of the roads. Relaying will begin only after completion of the work.

By July, the civic body will relay all 194 bus route roads. The new roads will be ready before the monsoon, said an official.

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