The first Metro Rail operation of the city is likely to begin in about two months from now, but the work on footpaths remains undone, thanks to a tussle between two government agencies.
While sources in the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) said they had already told the State Highways Department to carry out work on footpaths along Koyambedu to Alandur, the latter said the roads had not yet been handed over to it.
“The cleaning work in and around the Arumbakkam and Vadapalani stations was completed and subsequently handed over to the Highways Department last week. But, the work around other stations in this alignment was finished sometime back. It is for the Highways Department to start the work,” an official of the CMRL said.
Meanwhile, sources in the Highways Department said that they were yet to get control of the stretches where the stations are located.
“We will survey the locations and calculate the cost, which will have to be borne by the CMRL. It will take us at least six months to complete the works as the construction of stormwater drains and ducts will take quite some time,” an official said. It might cost Rs. 3 crore to construct one km of stormwater drains and footpaths; and Rs. 4 crore for one km of road in both directions.
A former engineer in the Highways Department said spots where traffic had been diverted would have to be completely repaired since there would be more damage there. “The CMRL must also acquire land at the SIDCO and Arumbakkam stations on the Inner Ring Road for the creation of additional lanes. Two lanes each have been lost to the stations at these locations,” he said.
