Question : DEVELOPMENT OF EAST COAST ROAD IN TAMIL NADU

(a) whether the first phase of the East Coast Road in Tamil Nadu, undertaken with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank has been completed;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any other further stages are envisaged;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) if not, the steps being taken to improve road conditions and connectivity between Cuddalore and Tuticorin, including the section thereof falling in Nagapattinam district;

(f) whether this includes the formation of a new National Highway 43-A; and
(g) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SURFACE TRANSPORT (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV )

(a)to(g): East Coast road is a State Highway, Cuddalore - Tuticorin section of which was declared a National Highway in January 1999. The section Chennai - Cuddalore was widened to two lanes and strengthened with ADB assistance of Rs. 100 crores by the State Government. The section Cuddalore - Tuticorin was taken up by State Government of Tamil Nadu for preparation of feasibility reports and detailed engineering out of a Technical Assistance loan provided by World Bank for State Road Projects in various states. The State Government of Tamil Nadu have informed that detailed engineering and environmental clearance have been completed. The project is yet to be appraised by the World Bank. The above proposal includes new NH 45A (and not 43A).