TN CM seeks early approval of funds by JICA

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has urged Shinichi Kitaoka, President of Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), for an early approval of funding assistance for important projects proposed by the State government.

The projects include the 400 MLD Desalination Plant for Chennai, Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase II, Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme Phase II, Chennai Peripheral Ring Road Project with Intelligent Transport System, and the Chennai Urban Infrastructure Project.

Paneerselvam told JICA president that involvement of JICA in Tamil Nadu has been very beneficial to the State and that JICA is an important partner in implementing the Tamil Nadu Vision 2023. The State government looked forward to the continued support and assistance of JICA, says a government press release.

During discussion, it was pointed out by the Japanese side that the Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Programme (TNIPP) Phase I was a great success, and that JICA was ready to move to TNIPP Phase II within the current fiscal year.

It was also indicated that the Chennai Metro Rail Phase I Extension Project is at the final stages of appraisal and approval, along with the fact that the implementation of ongoing projects is proceeding satisfactorily.

Phase I of the Chennai Metro Rail Project is under implementation covering a total length of 45 km, the extension from Washermanpet to Tiruvotriyur/WIMCO Nagar covering further 9.51 km at the cost of ₹3,770 crore, and was recently approved by the Centre.

According to State government, in the second phase, a detailed feasibility report to expand the Chennai Metro Rail Project along three corridors – North-West to South-East; West to East; and an orbital corridor – at an estimated cost of ₹44,000 crore, was recently approved. It has also been included in the rolling plan of JICA for funding.

The Detailed Project Report of the 134-km Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR) to provide better connectivity and to de-congest Chennai city has also been prepared, the report is under the consideration of the Centre. It will connect Ennore port in the north through the Northern Port Access Road to Mamallapuram in the south on the East Coast Road. This project has has been proposed for external funding from JICA through the Centre at a total cost of ₹12,301 crore, including ₹921 crore for establishing an Intelligent Transport System in Chennai.

The Chennai Urban Infrastructure Project aims to upgrade roads and bridges and construction of grade separators in Chennai at a total project cost of ₹5,788 crore. This project consists of two components to be executed by the Corporation of Chennai and by the Highways department. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under preparation and the project may be considered for inclusion in the JICA Rolling Plan for 2016-17.

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