Plans for 10.4-km elevated corridor from Madhavaram to Nallur toll plaza might move forward if Tamil Nadu government waives GST on construction materials. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials say project could restart with this support. Around 60% of costs tied to GST-heavy materials. State’s help crucial, given 9% tax rate isn't that steep.
In February,talks between Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Secretary and Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary led to NHAI's conditional nod for corridor,pending GST waiver. Implementation details now being nailed down,along with updates to Detailed Project Report (DPR).
S. Suresh Babu, head of Billakuppam Village Residents Welfare Association, is hopeful. He's lobbied various officials,including President of India,for corridor's construction. “We hope project will be taken up shortly and completed on time,” he said. Traffic chaos is rampant due to many junctions along stretch . Local vehicles often squeezed by heavy truck flow on National Highway.
But not everyone thinks elevated corridor is best fix. Retired highways department official suggested three flyovers instead. Proposed spots: Puzhal covering Retteri Road,Kavankarai,and Sothupakkam junction near Revathy Stores. “An elevated corridor would unnecessarily lead to toll plazas,cost more than three flyovers,” he argued. With about 60% of users being two-wheelers,flyovers might ease congestion at five key junctions better…
