Tamil Nadu: Stalin Promises To Junk Salem-Chennai Eight-Lane Expressway Project If DMK Comes To Power 

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam President M K Stalin today (23 March) said that he would get rid of the proposed Salem-Chennai eight-lane expressway project if his party formed the government and would focus on expanding the existing highway network, reports Business Standard (BS).

Targeting the current Tamil Nadu chief minister Palaniswami Chief Minister K Palaniswami for being "obstinate" in going ahead with the project that was opposed by "thousands of people," Stalin said that “nearly 8,000 acres of agricultural land will be lost if the Salem-Chennai expressway project is undertaken.”

The proposed Rs 10,000 crore 277.3 km long greenfield project connecting Salem and Chennai aims to cut travel time between the two cities by half to about two hours and 15 minutes. It is part of the NDA government’s ambitious 'Bharatmala Pariyojana' scheme.

Interests Of Many Outweigh The Few

CM Palaniswami who piloted the important project in the state said that 89 per cent of the people did not oppose land acquisition proceedings and the resistance was only from 11 per cent. "The idea is not to cause inconvenience to anyone...it is the duty of the government to fulfill the needs of the people...many people desire the scheme while some are against it," the Chief Minister added.

It should be noted that while DMK had stitched an alliance with Congress to contest the upcoming 2019 general elections in the state, AIADMK has joined hands with BJP.

Also Read: Salem-Chennai Green Expressway Corridor Myth-Buster: Here Is All You Need To Know