Centre approves preparation of DPRs for bypasses in T'Nadu

New Delhi, Oct 19 (UNI) The Centre has approved a sum of Rs 30.22 lakh for consultancy services for feasibility study and preparation of the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for construction of bypasses in three towns in Tamil Nadu.

The projects were approved by Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister T R Baalu for a representation from the state government.

An amount of Rs 12.35 lakh has been approved for feasibility study for construction of bypass to Pullyanpatti town on NH-209.

This town is a major industrial and agricultural market centre.

Besides, there is also a lot of tourist activity because of pilgrimage centre -- Bannari Amman Temple -- in its vicinity.

A ministry official said there were several zig-zag curves in this section which are prone to accidents. ''The road stretch is very congested and to maintain the free flow of the traffic, it has been considered necessary to provide a bypass to this town,'' he pointed out.

Mr Baalu also approved Rs 10.68 lakh for preparing a feasibility study and DPR for construction of bypass to Annur town on NH-209, which is the major route for the hilly towns like Thalavadi Ansanur, Kollegal and surrounding villages to nearby market centers in Coimbatore and Erode.

The construction of a bypass would improve the flow of the traffic and resolve the problem of continuous congestion on this stretch, the official said.

A feasibility study has also been approved for construction of bypass to Pollachi town on NH-209, which would entail an expenditure of Rs 7.19 lakh.

Pollachi is an important town with the tourism centres such as Valparai, Aliyar and Top Slip being situated around it. Educational Institutions and industries are located on the Pollachi-Karur road and Palladam-Avinashi-Pollachi-Meenakarai road.

During festival time and summer vacation, a large number of tourists and devotees visit the town, making it difficult to cope up with high intensity of traffic flow.

''A bypass road to Pollachi town is expected to provide great relief to the people living in Pollachi and the adjoining towns,'' he said.

UNI