Chennai: After months of delay, Greater Chennai Corporation will relay more than 1,000 roads starting Feb, at a cost of 200crore. The corporation has zeroed in on battered roads from the recent rains in key areas, including Adyar, Teynampet, Kodambakkam, West Mambalam and Anna Nagar. About five underpasses, including Nungambakkam, Madley and Stanley GH subways, will be relaid with necessary traffic diversions.Tamil Nadu govt on Thursday sanctioned 1,500crore for 21 corporations, out of which the city will get about 200crore. Deputy mayor Mahesh Kumar said all the zones finalized the road lists, and proposals were forwarded to Ripon Buildings. “We will place them in the council meeting this month, and fast-track relaying by Feb. We expect to finish the works by mid-Feb,” he said.The corporation plans to hire a project management consultant to vet the quality of roads as well. A tender for this will be floated simultaneously with the road tenders. Mahesh Kumar said the civic agency will get a grant from the state to execute more road works. GCC contractors, however, were sceptical about when the govt would release the funds. Even after financial sanction, the govt is yet to release funds for some projects. “The total dues for civic works rose to 900crore from 700crore last week,” said Greater Chennai contractor association president R Ramarao. “The corporation has no funds to execute any project. The govt is not giving them funds. All the tenders are being floated in anticipation of future funds. Everything is a mere announcement until funds are released. How are they going to execute works worth 200crore when they have dues of 900crore,” he asked.
