Major Tiruchi Corporation projects stuck in slow lane

Several major infrastructure projects undertaken by Tiruchi Corporation are progressing at a snail’s pace, with delays attributed to pending release of funds and inadequate manpower.

The construction of the integrated vegetable market at Panjapur, Packages I and II of the inner link road project from Panjapur to Karur Bypass along the bunds of the Koraiyar and Kudamurutti Rivers, and Phase IV of the underground drainage (UGD) project are moving slowly. Roads damaged during the UGD works are also yet to be relaid.

According to sources, several basic and minor works, including road works and drain renovation, have not been completed. Funds for several ongoing projects are yet to be released, resulting in contractors slowing down the works. Only limited manpower has been deployed at several project sites.

A Corporation official said release of funds under the Tamil Nadu Urban Road Infrastructure Fund (TURIF) was expected to within a month and steps would be taken with the Municipal Administration Department to resolve the issue and expedite the pending works.

Several other projects are also awaiting action at various stages. The proposed Bio-CNG plant and automated material recovery facility at Ariyamangalam dumpyard, and construction and demolition waste processing facility at Panjapur, are yet to commence. Package III of the inner link road project is yet to commence, as the land acquisition process is still pending.

Several completed projects are also awaiting the tendering process, while projects for which tenders have already been announced remain stalled without being awarded to contractors.

Meanwhile, the construction of the 100 MLD sewage treatment plant at Panjapur is progressing, with the civic body expecting the project to be completed by August.

Other projects, including the multi-utility centre at Panjapur and the commercial complex at Puthur, have remained in their final stages for a long period and are yet to be completed. The Woraiyur vegetable market, integrated sports centre at Anna Nagar and truck terminal at Panjapur have been completed but are yet to be commissioned.

“The non-implementation of these projects has resulted in the Corporation losing out on potential revenue. The authorities should take necessary steps to commission the completed projects,” said ward councillor K. Sureshkumar.