NHAI moves HC over elevated expressway project

Accusing AIADMK Government of putting 'stumbling blocks' in implementation of Rs-1,800 crore elevated expressway project for Chennai port, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has moved the Madras High Court seeking directions to the state authorities to execute it as agreed earlier.
In his petition, NHAI Project Director R Rajendra Kumar sought quashing of a January 28 letter by the Chief Engineer of Water Resource Organisation, Public Works Department, asking NHAI to obtain revised Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) clearance for the 19-km long 'Chennai Port-Maduravoyal Elevated Corridor, and carry out certain remedial measures.
This direction to obtain revised CRZ clearance was nothing but arbitrary exercise of power, malafide against the spirit of public interest and various orders passed by the Tamil Nadu government, the petition alleged.

It submitted that though necessary clearances and approvals had been obtained from concerned departments/agencies before commencing the project, after the change of government in May 2011, the state officials were not cooperating and suddenly became averse to it.
"...After the change of government in May 2011, there has been no cooperation from various departments of the state government with regards to the land acquisition, rehabilitation, resettlement of project affected families for reasons best known to them," the petition charged.
The project, started in September 2010 at the behest of Tamil Nadu Government and Chennai Port Trust and due to be completed by September this year, would cut down the travel time between the port and Maduravoyal, on the city outskirts, from more than two hours to just 15-20 minutes.

The petition wanted the court to direct authorities to coordinate and take all steps for the completion of the project in accordance with March 7, 2008 and February 4, 2011 Government Orders within a timeframe and complete it.
NHAI is aggrieved over the "stumbling blocks" put up by authorities for the execution the project, the petition said, adding Rs 500 crore has already been invested and hence the plea for completion of the project which is in public interest.
When the matter came before Justice S Rajeswaran, he posted the matter for tomorrow.