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Vol. XXVI No. 09, August 16-31, 2016
Archives: Vol. XXVI No. 09, August 16-31, 2016
Metrorail to spread further..but several questions remain
by The Editor
At long last there are plans to expand the Chennai Metrorail Limited (CMRL) network to make it a public transport system that will cover a large section of the city. It is reliably learnt that even as Phase 1 of the Metro is nearing completion, work is underfoot on surveying the rest of Chennai for a second and more ambitious phase. This is being undertaken by RITES (formerly Rail India Technical and Economic Services) Limited and will soon be submitted to the State Government. This is to the good, but speedy action in implementation will hold the key to making it an effective solution.
Phase 1 of CMRL, which will connect Washermanpet to Chennai Airport via two corridors, is present becoming operational in phases. It has suffered a number of delays because of land acquisition, vendor defaults, prolonged neglect owing to change of party in power, and technical issues. After much cost escalation due to these reasons, the entire line is expected to be fully operational by 2017. It is in the light of this track record that the next phase is to be viewed.
Phase 2 is envisaged in three corridors. The first, will be from Madhavaram Milk Colony in the north to SIPCOT in Sholinganallur, via an eastern alignment, traversing Perambur, Otteri, Purasawalkam, Chetpet, Nungambakkam and then onwards via south Chennai. This will span 44.3 km and have 45 stations. The second will connect the same end points but on a western alignment, via areas such as Villivakkam, Anna Nagar, Ramapuram, Nandambakkam, St Thomas Mount and onwards. This will span 44.6 km and 42 stations. A smaller third corridor will be on a east west axis, connecting Lighthouse at the Beach to the mofussil bus station at Koyambedu. This will have 17 stations and span 15.7 km.
Much of these corridors is planned to be underground. Therein lies the rub. The current phase has a mix of tracks above and below the ground.
INTACH Convenors urge focus on natural heritage
Tamil Nadu Chapter’s Convenors’ Workshop was held recently for Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Nagercoil, Salem, Thanjavur, Nilgris and Kodaikanal participants. It was stressed that greater emphasis needs to be placed on documenting bio-diversity and natural heritage in all cities and towns.
Convenors were suggested to seek broad-based membership to overcome the general apathy and neglect towards heritage issues at both local government and societal levels. Natural heritage and biodiversity is degrading at a rapid rate due to development activities and patronage extended to building lobbies.
Recalling the birth of Mobile
by S. Viswanathan of Industrial Economist, a successor to Mobile
Two pages on automobile tales
“When Mr. Viswanathan asked me to preside over this function, I readily agreed. As in everything else, whether in trade or industry or commerce, any spirit of adventure deserves to be welcomed. In industry I always welcome more and more first generation entrepreneurs. In technology fields. I welcome the increase in the number of qualified and able technicians. In the sphere of publications too. I welcome explorations into new fields. It requires courage to enter this sphere on one’s own. I also feel that, consistent with our growth in the industrial sphere and also the rapidity with which we are putting India on the industrial map of the world, it should add more specialised journals of specific interest. A matter of particular pleasure is that our chief minister Sri M. Bakthavatsalam is participating in this function.”
ACDs not among our vintage wealth
by V.S. Kylas Secretary of MHMC
Six pages for Madras Week 2016
Auburn
Travel down memory lane with me and let’s recall the array of cars that once were a part of the Madras scene.
Madras Week musings with Vincent D’Souza
From Broadway’s churches…
St. Thomas’ Cathedral of theMar Thoma Christians
When we lived on Mount Road, we often attended Sunday Mass at St. Mary’s on Armenian Street and then walked down to NSC Bose Road to have breakfast.
