CHENNAI: ‘EMRIP Port connectivity project on track’

Published in The New Indian Express, Chennai on March 12, 2012:

Source:http://expressbuzz.com/cities/chennai/%E2%80%98Port-connectivity-project-on-track%E2%80%99/371684.html

CHENNAI: Stating that the TN government also wishes the speedy implementation of the much-delayed Rs 600-crore EMRIP project connecting Chennai with Ennore Port, Speaker D Jayakumar on Saturday said that the project is on the right track due to regular reviews.

Addressing the delegates after inaugurating the golden jubilee celebration of Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations in India (FFFAI is the apex body of all Custom House Agents Associations in India), Jayakumar said, “I have a special interest in the project as Chennai Port falls in my constituency and congestion due to trailers would be eased once the project is implemented.”

Disclosing the mantra for keeping the road project on the right track, Jayakumar said, “Since the project is paramount to link Chennai and Ennore ports, we have frequent review meetings of all stakeholders including the Chennai Port Trust, TNSCB, TANGEDCO, Metrowater, NHAI and district administrations. The last one was held on Wednesday.” He also announced that the next review meeting of EMRIP project would be held on March 14, as there are some hurdles still to be sorted out.

Jayakumar also said that the 1.6 km roadwork, starting from the port’s Zero Gate up to the Kasimedu Fishing Harbour, has been progressing well.

Of the total length, about 600 metres work has been completed till now and authorities are in a position to complete the remaining work very soon, added Jayakumar.

Besides others, Shantanu Bhadkamkar, chairman of FFFAI and A V Vijayakumar, president of Chennai Custom House Agents’ Association (CCHAA) spoke.