Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Friday inaugurated the Maattu Mandhai rail overbridge connecting the industrial hub of Manali with Tiruvottiyur. The bridge was constructed by the Highways Department at a cost of ₹58 crore.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that not many contractors had come forward to construct the overbridge and the department had to make eight tender calls and only the ninth bid was successful.
Land acquisition was another problem that delayed this crucial project which was close to former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s heart, Mr. Palaniswami said.
No more long waits
The 530-metre-long flyover has done away with the need to endlessly wait at the railway gate, he said, adding that so far the government had completed 61 rail overbridges and work was under way at 85 more locations across the State.
Residents expressed happiness over the completion of the project after much delay. S. Ambigaidass, a resident, said motorists going to the 100 feet road would be able to avoid heavy vehicle traffic, thanks to the new flyover.
V. Rajkumar, a resident of Theradi, said that hundreds of employees commuting to Manali for work would benefit from the flyover. He also said that steps must be taken to replace the other two railway gates in Tiruvottiyur.
