The Tamil Nadu government expects to sign a loan agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Metro Rail Phase II, by March next year.
As the tunnelling works of phase I near completion, S. Krishnan, principal secretary, Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, told reporters here on Tuesday that a pre-appraisal team from JICA will be visiting next month to discuss the financials. “We expect to sign the agreement by next March and commence procurement simultaneously.”
Along with Metro Rail officials, he was at the site near AGS Office-DMS for the completion of the longest continuous tunnel drive part of phase I. The work was to be completed on Tuesday but came to a halt after the cutter head of the tunnel boring machine was worn out. “We will be changing the tools in a day or two and will resume the work,” said an official.
Two-way traffic soon
The second TBM was also following closely and should be ready for break-through after completing the remaining distance of around 450 metres. The officials are hopeful of restoring two-way road traffic on Anna Salai in about two to three months as no more road space would be required once the tunnelling gets over.
Officials also hope to run the stretch from Saidapet (Airport) to AG-DMS commercially by next March. The track work, signalling and work on underground stations could take nine months along the entire stretch. Meanwhile, the underground train to Chennai Central, along the other corridor, would commence by February next year, officials said.
Asked about work on Central Plaza, Mr. Krishnan said the design has been submitted to the CMDA and the Heritage Committee as it needs the approval of both. Asked about the high rise planned, he said the structure would have to be entirely in line with CMDA regulations. As the new structures would be assets to the city for hundred years and more, he said there was no need to act with haste.
