Title : Need to develop road infrastructure in Karaikal region of the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
PROF. M. RAMADASS (PONDICHERRY): Karaikal region of the Union Territory of Pondicherry is a backward district due to lack of road infrastructure. The people of Pondicherry and Karaikal had to use road facility in the absence of rail facility. Karaikal is surrounded by Nagapattinam, Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu. The road connecting these places with Karaikal are woefully bad and are non-motorable causing great incovenience to the people of Pondicherry and Karaikal. Since Karaikal is emerging as a vital tourist spot thanks to famous Saneeswara temple, many tourists who wish to visit Karaikal are discouraged to visit this place because of the pathetic condition of roads. Provision of road facility, has become imperative, especially after the episode of Tsunami which has greatly impaired the road condition in Karaikal region. Therefore, it is requested, that the Ministry of Road Transport should take urgent steps to lay, if possible wider roads connecting Karaikal with the Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi. Further, the Government may also examine the feasibility of instituting ferry service from chennai to Velankanni via Pondicherry, Karaikal, and Nagappatinam so that a new transport facility may be created for the people of Pondicherry and Karaikal. This would increase people to people contact, reduce inconvenience and enhance tourist traffic.