MADURAI: Madras high court, which was hearing a plea pertaining to extending the metro rail project in Madurai to Melur, on Tuesday, observed that it would be open to the govt to consider the request on merits and in accordance with law.
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by an advocate, B Stalin. The petitioner stated that the govt came forward to introduce metro rail services in Madurai to resolve the traffic problems and boost connectivity. Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), which was appointed as the implementing agency, completed the work of preparing a detailed project report.
The petitioner said that according to CMRL, the proposed plan covers a distance of 32km with 27 stations from Othakadai to Thirumangalam. Of the 32km stretch, 27km would be elevated track and 5km would be underground track. The project is implemented at the cost of 11,360 crore.
The authorities failed to consider Melur region where there are several commercial establishments. There is huge traffic congestion from Othakadai to Melur road stretch, which has also resulted in several accidents. Hence, the petitioner moved court.
A division bench of justice M S Ramesh and justice A D Maria Clete observed that the request of the petitioner to extend the project to Melur is clearly a policy decision to be taken by the govt.
The court would not venture into the matter by directing the govt to consider such a request. It is open to the govt to consider his representation on merits and in accordance with law, the judges observed and closed the petition.
