Elevated Expressway: Expert panel seeks report on revised alignment

Team discusses changes needed to ensure free flow of water in Cooum

The expert committee formed to review the Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway project has sought a detailed report on revised alignment to resume work along the Cooum river.

On Friday, the six-member team comprising officials from various government agencies, including National Highways Authority of India and Water Resources Department discussed the prospects of the project and modifications needed to ensure free flow of water in the Cooum river.

WRD sources said, the team that met on Friday also inspected the sites at Spurtank Road and Napier Bridge. The NHAI, which is one of the stakeholders of the 19-km-long project, has been asked to submit a report on the changes in the alignment. The proposal would be scrutinised for approval.

Though the NHAI was asked to provide a report on the modifications of design by December last year, it is yet to submit the report, sources said.

Single pillars

The committee also discussed the possibility of constructing single pillars on the river bank and whether alternative land was available to avoid acquisition of defence land required near the Napier Bridge.

One of the committee members said the existing pillars are not blocking the river’s flow. But, building pillars further north along the river may obstruct the flow. It has been suggested that NHAI build single pillars that are larger in diameter on the lines of Metro Rail project instead of two pillars to hold the entire structure. This would mean the design of the top structure would have to be changed.

The stability of the existing concrete structures would also be checked before the project resumes. However, aligning the portion of the structure according to the river bends would be a challenge, the team member said.

2012 row

It may be recalled that the project was suspended in 2012 due to a row between the WRD and NHAI over the alignment of the pillars constructed. The WRD had raised objections then about the pillars obstructing the river’s flow and it led to the stalling of the project.