NHAI Defends Use of Mamallapuram Pond for ECR Project Ramp

29 Apr 2025 CW Team

In its submission, NHAI project director M S Chaitanya said only 3,460 sqm — less than 20 per cent of the 15,000 sqm pond — was used, mainly along shallow edges. The area, he said, was necessary to create a safe exit for vehicles entering Mamallapuram from Puducherry, via a proposed underpass near the heritage elephant sculpture. Without the ramp, the accident-prone junction could become a major blackspot along the high-speed corridor, the agency warned.

NHAI finalised the project alignment in 2018, awarded the contract in March 2020, and began work in May 2023. Objections were first raised in August 2024, with the NGT petition filed in January 2025.

The agency cited an independent report from LN Malviya Infra Projects confirming that about 10,800 cubic metres of earthwork was undertaken in the pond area using non-polluting materials. It added that the embankment would not impact water quality, as the pond water remains largely static.

To offset the impact on the Solaipoigai tank, NHAI said it carried out excavation at four other nearby lakes — Pooncherry, Perumaleri, Karanai, and Kuzhipandalam — creating over 45,000 cubic metres of additional water storage. The work, it said, supports the government's ‘Amrit Sarovar’ waterbody rejuvenation initiative.

NHAI also said it had obtained a no-objection certificate from Tamil Nadu’s water resources department for the project alignment. Alternative routes, it added, were ruled out due to the proximity of a major bridge across Buckingham Canal, just a kilometre away, making any shift geometrically unfeasible and a threat to road safety.

The NGT will hear the case again in June.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has informed the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it was compelled to use a portion of a pond in Mamallapuram to construct an exit ramp for the East Coast Road (ECR) four-laning project between Mamallapuram and Puducherry. The clarification comes in response to a petition alleging that the construction encroached on the waterbody without valid justification.In its submission, NHAI project director M S Chaitanya said only 3,460 sqm — less than 20 per cent of the 15,000 sqm pond — was used, mainly along shallow edges. The area, he said, was necessary to create a safe exit for vehicles entering Mamallapuram from Puducherry, via a proposed underpass near the heritage elephant sculpture. Without the ramp, the accident-prone junction could become a major blackspot along the high-speed corridor, the agency warned.NHAI finalised the project alignment in 2018, awarded the contract in March 2020, and began work in May 2023. Objections were first raised in August 2024, with the NGT petition filed in January 2025.The agency cited an independent report from LN Malviya Infra Projects confirming that about 10,800 cubic metres of earthwork was undertaken in the pond area using non-polluting materials. It added that the embankment would not impact water quality, as the pond water remains largely static.To offset the impact on the Solaipoigai tank, NHAI said it carried out excavation at four other nearby lakes — Pooncherry, Perumaleri, Karanai, and Kuzhipandalam — creating over 45,000 cubic metres of additional water storage. The work, it said, supports the government's ‘Amrit Sarovar’ waterbody rejuvenation initiative.NHAI also said it had obtained a no-objection certificate from Tamil Nadu’s water resources department for the project alignment. Alternative routes, it added, were ruled out due to the proximity of a major bridge across Buckingham Canal, just a kilometre away, making any shift geometrically unfeasible and a threat to road safety.The NGT will hear the case again in June.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..