Yet another gate of Ripon Buildings is set to be closed to facilitate expansion of the Metro Rail construction site.
The entry point on Raja Muthiah Salai, used regularly by the Mayor, residents and officials, is the third gate to be closed since work began on the site outside the civic body’s headquarters two years ago.
However, an alternate entry point will be created on the same road, an official said.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has requested the Chennai Corporation for more space on the premises, between Golden Jubilee Hall and the main buildings.
The modified sketch of the construction site had been submitted by CMRL to the Corporation this week.
After approval of the sketch by the Corporation Council, the additional land will be handed over to CMRL. The CMRL, however, has not revealed if the land would be required ‘permanently or temporarily’ for the Metro Rail structures.
A few weeks ago, CMRL had asked the Corporation for permission to close the gate on Raja Muthiah Road. But, the Corporation refused permission and insisted on an alternate entry on the same road if there was a pressing need for closing the existing gate.
In addition to the 4,507 sq. m. of land permitted to be used on Ripon Buildings premises by the G.O. issued in 2010 by the State government and the resolution passed by the Corporation Council, CMRL has sought more land from the Corporation for the work. This is because there is a need for rearrangement of planned structures under the new design requirement.
The revised design has been made keeping in mind the requirements of visitors to Ripon Buildings for civic services, the official said.
Currently, Ripon Buildings has three entry points used by hundreds of residents.
CMRL began the digging work on the lawns of Ripon Buildings on May 4, 2011.
