Walajabad and Uthiramerur in Kancheepuram will get bypass roads to relieve the towns of traffic congestion, Highways Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said on Monday.
Moving the demands for the department in the Assembly, he said that Rs.14.50 crore has been sanctioned for the projects.
The bypass for Uthiramerur town would be 3.40 km long and that at Walajabad 4.20 km long. Uthiramerur is 12 km away from Kancheepuram town and Uthiramerur, 27 km away.
Walajabad resident G. Manavalan said that the Raja Veedhi, where the town’s market place was located, often witnessed traffic jams. The Chengalpet – Kancheepuram Road, which runs along the Palar river, is also often congested. “Two schools are located nearby as are several government offices. In the mornings and evenings, the rush is difficult to manage and often, accidents happen while vehicles try to overtake others,” he said.
G. Santhanakrishnan said in Uthiramerur, the market place and bus terminus are next to each other thus leading to traffic jams. “Every time a few buses and mini buses come at the same time, chaos ensues. Many restaurants are also located on the road and those passing through the town pause here to eat and refresh themselves. However, there is no designated parking space for such vehicles. The ASI protected Vaikuntaperumal temple is also nearby and gets many visitors,” he said. The Uthiramerur — Pukkathurai road that takes off from the NH 45 and reaches the Kancheepuram — Vandavasi Road gets congested and the bypass would provide relief to residents.
Sources said that the Rs. 14.50 crore was for land acquisition alone for both the projects and this would take at least a year. Land acquisition would be made for 100 feet in both cases. Only after the land has been taken over would the road laying work be taken up, said a source.