HC moved to quash GO stopping work on Expressway

Petitioner S Balaji contended that the Rs 1,800 crore project covering 19 km was indispensable with the city becoming congested and also sought a direction to the authorities concerned to proceed with it without any delay.

He said the PWD by its March 29 impugned proceedings had ordered that construction of the project be stopped along the Cooum and seizure of the machinery.

He alleged the ruling party was not keen on proceeding with the project for political reasons. "There was no public interest in stopping such a huge project. Public resources to the tune of Rs 900 crore has already been spent," he said.

The foundation for the project was laid by the Prime Minister on Jan 8, 2009 and both Central and State Governments had assured that it would be completed within three years.

Balaji submitted that the elevated road would be a boon to road users of Avadi, Ambattur, Maduravoyal, Koyambedu, Poonamallee, Arumbakkam, Annanagar and Aminjikarai.

When the petition came up for hearing today, the First Bench, comprising Chief Justice M Y Eqbal and Justice T S Sivagnanam issued notice to the state and centre returnable in two weeks.