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Title : Need to expedite implementation of MRTS phase II in South Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
SHRI C. RAJENDRAN (CHENNAI SOUTH): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I would like to raise a matter of urgent public importance regarding the second phase of MRTS project in South Chennai, which is my constituency. The MRTS has proved to be the second lifeline of the people of Chennai. The MRTS has gained much popularity and the commuters are on the rise.
In the second phase of this project, it is proposed to be extended from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount and the target fixed for completion is running behind.
Once completed, it would cover some very important commercial and residential areas of the city. But this five km. elevated stretch of its extension is getting delayed, due to various factors, mainly due to acquisition of land.
It is said that the State Government has not yet handed over a small stretch of land near St. Thomas Mount to the Railways.
Initially, the total cost of the project was estimated to be about Rs. 500 crore. But due to inordinate delay, it is expected that the cost would shoot up tremendously. Now, the Railways are awaiting the required land from the State Government.
Since it emerges as one of the key modes of public transport in Chennai, the completion of it would benefit the commuters of suburban areas of Chennai metropolitan and fetch a lot of revenue for the Railways.
Hence, I urge upon the hon. Railway Minister to impress upon the State Government which is also an ally of this Government to clear the hurdles for early completion of this project.