As a follow-up to a discussion last month on comprehensive development of Erode, Environment Minister Thoppu N.D. Venkatachalam on Sunday took stock of the progress of the projects that would ease traffic congestion in the city.
Accompanied by District Collector S. Prabakar, Superintendent of Police M.R. Sibi Chakravarthy, Mayor Malliga Paramasivam, Corporation Commissioner R. Mohan, and Erode MP S. Selvakumara Chinnaiyan, the Minister got to know from the officials the status of the traffic island project near the Government Hospital Junction.
He had sought opinion from the officials on the scope for formation of a temporary traffic island.
The project was halted because of complications involved in shifting of statues of Kamaraj, MGR and E.V.K. Sampath.
The Highways Department has already made financial settlements for the land acquired from commercial establishments, and the foundation was also laid during February 2014.
Of the Rs. 11.3 crore meant for the traffic island project, Rs. 5.4 crore constituted compensation for the acquired land and demolished buildings.
According to sources, the Minister had wanted the officials to create a semblance of a traffic island (until a permanent solution is found).
The team also visited Kumalankuttai and discussed possibilities of shifting a temple to facilitate free traffic flow at peak hours.
The other places they visited included the P.S. Park Junction, Vendipalayam Junction, Solar, and Bull Fight Statue Junction where a facelift was on the anvil, the officials said.
Emergence of Erode as a vital trade hub for textiles and turmeric had reflected in a steady increase in vehicular flow. Making improvements at vital junctions had become imperative, sources added.
Environment Minister took stock of the progress of the projects
