Single-window system to speed up works

Authorities Say At Existing Pace It Will Take At Least 15 Years To Finish Construction Of Overbridges, Underbridges At Level Crosssings
V Ayyappan TNN

Nov 12, 2008

Chennai: Southern Railway has mooted a single window system to speed up construction of road overbridges and road underbridges in lieu of railway level crossings in the city. The idea is being discussed because works to build the 44 bridges sanctioned to eliminate level crossings in the city and its suburbs have been moving at a snail’s pace. Apart from the delay in finalising the design for approach roads and the rise in cement or steel prices, several problems relating to encroachments, land acquisitions and the time required for co-ordination among different agencies come in the way of speedy execution of the works. It is estimated that at the existing pace it will take at least 15 years to complete all the sanctioned projects under a 50:50 partnership between the state government and railways, said a senior railway official. “At the moment, we are able to convert on an average only three level crossings in a year,” said a senior railway official. According to Southern Railway, the construction of these bridges was turning into a time-consuming process because of the need for co-ordination between railways and different state government agencies. Co-ordination meetings are frequently held between the railways and the state government. And the state government had also assured complete co-operation to expedite the projects. “But, we need to have a system in place, something like a single-window system to ensure that all agencies can come together quickly and effectively for the projects. This way we will be able to take up more projects at a time,” said Southern Railway chief administrative officer R Ramanathan. Southern Railway wants to eliminate all level crossings because they would ensure smooth operation of trains and flow of road traffic on the Chennai-Tiruvallur, Chennai-Gummidipoondi and Chennai-Chengelpet sections. It wants to convert 24 level crossings on the Chennai-Chengelpet section alone. Ramanathan said, “We cannot take up too many works at a time in the city because it requires diversion of road traffic and slowing down of trains. If all agencies involved in the works can be brought under a single platform, railways will also be able to take up more such projects.” Southern Railway chief public relations office Neenu Ittyerah said: “None of the works is getting delayed because of encroachments on railway land. The state government has been removing encroachments and works are in progress at Saidapet, Korukkupet and Pattabhiram.”