The Tamil Nadu Government will accord top priority for infrastructure projects and would expedite all pending projects including the 30-km Ennore-Manali Expressway, said Mr D. Jayakumar, Speaker, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

Delivering the inaugural address at the two-day international conference and exhibition on Logistics organised by the Southern India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) and Exim Bank, he asked the Chamber to send in its recommendations in this regard.

Ennore Expressway

According to him, Ennore Expressway is now estimated to cost Rs 600 crore as against the originally projected Rs 160 crore five-six years ago. He said the Government does not see any problem in the completion of first phase of this project. From the port, one can reach NH 5 by using the ‘zero' gate - Kasimedu N4 police station - Thachur road. Similarly, to go southward, one can take the ChPT - Manali – Koyambedu route.

Besides, he said the State Government would also develop minor ports along the east coast including Cuddalore, Nagapattinam and Colachel through public private partnership.

More gates

Earlier, addressing the gathering, Mr Raghu Shankar, Conference Convenor and Chairman of SICCI Shipping Committee, said to ease the traffic the authorities should consider opening more gates at ChPT.

Private players entry

Mr G.R.K. Reddy, Chairman, Marg Group, said the entry of private players in port projects paved the way for connecting hinterland and creating jobs for those in rural areas.

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