NHAI moves HC over elevated e'way for Chennai Port

Accusing the Tamil Nau 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 departments/ agencies concerned before commencing the project, after the change of government in May 2011, the State officials were not cooperating and suddenly became averse to it.