DMK accuses TN of 'callousness' in executing highway projects

DMK today accused the AIADMK regime of having a "callous" attitude which is causing "delay" in implementing several highway projects worth Rs 7,000 crore in the state.
"Highway projects worth Rs 7,000 crore covering about 1,000 km in Tamil Nadu have been delayed because of the lackadaisical attitude of the state government," DMK's Treasurer M K Stalin alleged in a Facebook post.
Stating that highway projects had been delayed for years, he claimed it had led to a "further deterioration of the industrial climate in the state."
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had been following up with the state government for necessary permissions and land acquisition for various national highway projects, "yet the state government is doing little to cooperate," he claimed.

The "stalled" projects include Rs 1,815-crore Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Expressway, which is essential to improve connectivity to Chennai Port, he said.
This month, five new NHAI road projects had been awarded to Tamil Nadu at an estimated cost of over Rs 2,000 crores covering about 407 kms.
"These projects will significantly improve connectivity within the state and with other states. However, if the AIADMK (government) continues with its callous attitude towards infrastructure, these projects will remain mere proposals on paper," he said.