Madurai Region I [Archive] - Page 3

MaduraiSelvam

December 7th, 2006, 12:31 PM

Nice contrasting reports. These reports very well show the biased attitude of those dailies. Dinakaran, as expected, has given all the positive aspects and exaggarated their predictions about Madurai, while their own political big shots failed to attend SPEED 2006, so much for the Tier-II cities concept.

Dinamalar, on the expected lines, criticized about projects coming to Chennai alone. I too agree the contents related to that. But, what were they doing when the previous government failed to do anything for the South. Infact, the previous government opposed SSCP too. Where did Dinamalar go? What did they do for Nanguneri SEZ?

Those dailies report something like this, kindling people's interest and laughing all the way to the bank.

Dinamalar is a official BJP daily, who are very much frustated about their repeated failure to enter main stream TN politics. The owner of Dinamalar is the BJP youth secretary. They are trying hard but no one to care.

As for now, they want TN as a whole to loose in all sector and they want to blame Central Congress Govt. Dinakaran a DMK paper will ofcourse reflect present DMKs policy.

Dont need strain your brain to compare these two artices, its a simple political views.

sudheeshnairs

December 7th, 2006, 12:47 PM

Previous thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=386274&page=26

Now continue here

sudheeshnairs

December 7th, 2006, 12:48 PM

Continue here..http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=10773568#post10773568

Madurai

December 7th, 2006, 10:26 PM

http://www.dinamalar.com/2006dec08/district/madurai.asp#8

SIPCOT Officials, DRO, South Tahsildar inspected Valayankulam, Eliyarpaththi, Sholanguruni and Nallur for implementing a 2500 acres SEZ at Madurai.

--------

It looks like a start has been made on this. Definitely, a good news.

------
Thanks Sudheesh for opening a new topic.

madurai veeran

December 7th, 2006, 10:56 PM

Madurai

December 7th, 2006, 10:59 PM

Thats a great news!!!

The announcement for a 2500 acre SEZ at Madurai was made hardly 2 weeks back and it seems the government officials and others incharge are straightaway into business.

BTW where are these places Valayankulam, Eliyarpaththi, Sholanguruni and Nallur?. I googled to find them in Madurai south taluk. Where exactly are they?.

Hi,
Though the announcement of SEZ came recently, I think the SIPCOT establishment news came from the State budget announcement itself. I am also curious to know where these places are. I am not aware of any place in that list. Hope it's not far away from Madurai.

MaduraiSelvam

December 7th, 2006, 11:24 PM

Thats a great news!!!

The announcement for a 2500 acre SEZ at Madurai was made hardly 2 weeks back and it seems the government officials and others incharge are straightaway into business.

BTW where are these places Valayankulam, Eliyarpaththi, Sholanguruni and Nallur?. I googled to find them in Madurai south taluk. It says valayankulam is 7 kms from Madurai and close to MDU-Arupukottai road and Madurai airport. Please someone clarify where exactly they are?.

Valayankulam is on the waty to Tuticorin-Arupukottai road, there are some Industries there and their residential area. I dont remember the name of the big Industry there. Clues to remember, there is also a beautiful white temple inside their campus. I think its Cement factory, its a while that I dont even remember.

Madurai

December 7th, 2006, 11:48 PM

Valayankulam is on the waty to Tuticorin-Arupukottai road, there is some Industries there and their residential area. I dont remember the name of the big Industry there. Clues to remember, there is also a beautiful white temple inside their campus. I think its Cement factory, its a while that I dont even remember.

I guess you are mentioning about Sundram Fasteners from the TVS Group.

madurai veeran

December 8th, 2006, 12:16 AM

TN CM had no time to attend the SPEED 2006 but he is coming all the way to MDU for getting a honorary doctorate in literature from MKU :lol:. Any way he might come up with some good news for MDU and southern districts.

Its nice to find the MLA's from south are really raising questions and voicing their concerns in assembly about southern districts. CM has promised that government would also examine implementation of the recommendations of the Rathnavel Pandian panel. (Justice Ratnavel Pandian Committee was set up to recommend steps for industrial development in southern districts)

Madurai_Fanatic

December 8th, 2006, 01:26 AM

I guess you are mentioning about Sundram Fasteners from the TVS Group.

yup.. you are right..i too think it is the sundaram fasteners..
and..
it is really good that the SEZ is being set up in Madurai Tuticorin road..
Despite having good industries..(Dupont, Bayer, Sundaram Fasteners, First Garments..) this area has not been thrown much light.. and there were not much activities reported..
It would be good for the industries there on access to Tuticorin port aspect..
With Rudrudev Township and SIPCOT SEZ coming up... the area around Airport would become the cynosure..and Arupukottai road and ring road will buzz with activities...
By the way.. did anyone find the site plan for the Rudrudev Township any where?..is the IT park going to have good skyscrapers??? (RR Industries are constructing the tallest buildings in chennai @ Ambatur..so...)

Madurai_Fanatic

December 8th, 2006, 06:17 AM

Apollo Hospitals will be investing about Rs 42 crore in Madurai to set up a cancer cure centre in collaboration with the US-based Comprehensive Blood and Cancer Centers (CBCC), and to expand the bed capacity of its multispecialty hospital in the Temple city.

Addressing a session at Speed 2006, Preetha Reddy, managing director of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said Apollo Hospitals and CBCC would set up a cancer cure centre in Madurai at an investment of $5 million (about Rs 22 crore).

Apollo Hospitals would provide the necessary infrastructure for the centre, while CBCC would provide the equipment and technical expertise.

The centre, which is expected to be ready in six months, will use cutting-edge technology in radiation therapy and cancer cure, she said, adding that the centre would also focus on cardiac cure.

Reddy said Madurai was chosen for setting up the centre as a high number of cancer cases were being reported from the region. She also said that Apollo would set up an institute in collaboration with the US-based Johns Hopkins Hospitals for training and research and development in Madurai. The project is likely to come up in the next two years.

Apollo will also spend about Rs 20 crore to increase the number of beds in its multispecialty hospital at Madurai to 500 from the present 200, over the next few years. However, it will be increasing the capacity to 250 during this fiscal.

http://www.business-standard.com/compindustry/storypage.php?tab=r&autono=266936&subLeft=1&leftnm=1

It includes a Research Institute!!!!
This would be a big boom to the health care sector of the city..

madurai veeran

December 8th, 2006, 02:34 PM

Madurai, Dec 8: Chennai city would get Rs 360 crore and Madurai Rs 60 crore for developmental works under the first phase of Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Reconstruction Programme (JNURP), a top official said here.

The Central government has sanctioned Rs.1477 crore under JNURP for undertaking infrastructure development works in 63 cities across the country, including Chennai and Madurai, Hitesh Kumar Makwana, Joint Commissioner, Municipal Administration, Tamil Nadu government, said here.

The sanctioned amount would be used for water distribution, solid waste management, sewage cleaning, construction of radial roads and restoration of old parts of the cities, among others, he said.

A seven-year plan had been drawn up for providing basic amenities in Madurai city, he said adding Anaiyur, Avaniapuram, Tirumangalam and Tiruparankunram municipalities would also be developed.

He said implementation of any programme would be successful only with the participation of people's representatives.

http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7B1CD7A607-1476-4683-83DB-D8B919EC8AB4%7D&CATEGORYNAME=TAMNA

Anniyan

December 8th, 2006, 08:21 PM

By the way.. did anyone find the site plan for the Rudrudev Township any where?..is the IT park going to have good skyscrapers??? (RR Industries are constructing the tallest buildings in chennai @ Ambatur..so...)

so ?

Anniyan

December 9th, 2006, 12:37 AM

An agreement to set up a major power transmission line between India and Sri Lanka is likely to be inked early next year that would link two cities well known for their temples and religious festivals — Madurai in Tamil Nadu in the southern state of India and Anuradhapura an ancient city in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka.

According to senior Power Ministry officials a high voltage direct current (HVDC) power transmission line between the two cities would be set up at a cost of Rs 2000 crore. Power Secretaries of the two countries have agreed to prepare a feasibility report for Madurai-Anuradhapura by month end.

The power link between Anuradapura and Madurai are just media hype and such a project would never take place.

The story of the power link is created by certain elements to insure that the Sri Lankan president didn't return from his recent visit to India with an empty brass begging bowl.

madurai veeran

December 9th, 2006, 12:43 AM

so ?

So, will they also build tall buildings in their Rudrudev IT Township :) .

I googled and found this info. Rudrudev Township had submitted a proposal seeking SEZ status and this came to BoA (Board of Approvals) for SEZ's meeting during october. Im not sure of the outcomes of the meeting.

Also the project is to come up at Solankurini. This was also the place inspected by the SIPCOT for the 2500 acre SEZ.

madurai veeran

December 9th, 2006, 01:02 AM

The power link between Anuradapura and Madurai are just media hype and such a project would never take place.

The story of the power link is created by certain elements to insure that the Sri Lankan president didn't return from his recent visit to India with an empty brass begging bowl.

I too thought so.

When india was planning to form a single national electric grid by linking the east, west, north and south grids to share excess electricity. There is actually no need to export electricity to another country.

They could instead use the 2000 crore Rs. to link India and Sri lanka with a bridge. This could enhance the Indo-Lanka trade and also help south TN :). Well both look impossible under present circumstances though...

Madurai

December 9th, 2006, 07:55 AM

madurai veeran

December 9th, 2006, 09:26 AM

http://www.dailythanthi.com/article.asp?NewsID=302100&disdate=12/9/2006&advt=2

Anaiyur, Avaniyapuram, Tirumangalam and Tirupprankundram townships and Tirungar, Sholavandan, HarveyPatti, Paravai and Vilangudi town panchayats will have projects worth Rs.792 cr in the first phase which will be implemented in 7 years time.

Madurai you have slightly misinterpreted the news.

It says Madurai (Incl. Anaiyur, Avaniyapuram, Tirumangalam, Tirupprankundram, Tirunagar, Sholavandan, HarveyPatti, Paravai and Vilangudi) will get projects worth 1792 Crore Rs. under JNNURM, of which Madurai city alone will get projects to the tune of Rs. 1477 Crore.

The meeting was headed by Hitesh Kumar Makwana, Joint Commissioner, Municipal Administration and attended by Corporation commissioner, Collector and others.

Madurai

December 9th, 2006, 09:56 AM

Thanks Madurai Veeran for correcting me. I didnt notice the word (aayirathu) which was written in letters and the rest of it was in numbers and I misinterpreted. Sorry about any confusions.

raheja

December 9th, 2006, 10:38 AM

hello.I am ajay from madurai. I am a fan of skyscrapercity madurai region.pls can you help me how to get news

MaduraiSelvam

December 9th, 2006, 11:31 AM

The power link between Anuradapura and Madurai are just media hype and such a project would never take place.

The story of the power link is created by certain elements to insure that the Sri Lankan president didn't return from his recent visit to India with an empty brass begging bowl.

Anniyan, as far as I know it is true. SL is really in big trouble with electricity. They need electricity desperately and they had many power shut downs because of the deficit for the past 5 yrs.

Regarding political uncertainity, SL Govt. is being cornered by International community with economical blocks which hopefully will bring solution very soon. Hopefully this project wouldnt need to wait so long.

madurai veeran

December 9th, 2006, 12:46 PM

This month Spencer's Retail will open 15 brand new stores in 10 cities across the country, says a press release. This will take the number of Spencer outlets to 88. Among the places where the new stores will be opened are Madurai, Kochi, Gurgaon, Delhi, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Bangalore. Mr J.H. Mehta, President, Spencer's Retail, said, "We have a very ambitious and speedy growth plan for 2007. Spencer's Retail has introduced new shopping format located at an arm's length, in order to provide solutions to the daily top-up needs of our consumers.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/12/09/stories/2006120901871100.htm

Madurai_Fanatic

December 9th, 2006, 06:28 PM

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/12/09/stories/2006120901871100.htm

It is already open!!!!

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/9434/spencersmg1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Madurai

December 9th, 2006, 11:40 PM

Ellis Nagar overbridge to be ready by March
Special Correspondent

Koodal Nagar bridge to be ready before January

BRIDGING THE GAP: T. Udhayachandran, Collector, inspecting the ongoing Ellis Nagar rail overbridge work in Madurai on Saturday.

MADURAI: The overbridge across the railway crossing at Koodal Nagar is expected to be ready before January 31.

The Collector, T. Udhayachandran, who inspected the overbridges under construction at Koodal Nagar and Ellis Nagar on Saturday ordered the officials to complete the Koodal Nagar bridge by January 31 and the Ellis Nagar bridge by March.

Work on the Koodal Nagar bridge has been completed at a cost of Rs. 5.33 crore by the Highways Department.

The structure has to be synchronised with the one constructed by the Southern Railway.

The connecting structure, running to a length of 32 metres, will be completed at an estimated cost of Rs. 65 lakh.

According to an official press release, the Collector instructed the officials to expedite work on the Ellis Nagar bridge.

Sixty five per cent of the work, taken up at a cost of Rs. 14.5 crore, has been completed and the process of acquiring land for the service road adjacent to the bridge will be speeded up.

Mr. Udhayachandran also inspected the work on strengthening the Vaigai bank near the Kamarajar bridge, which is undertaken at a cost of Rs. 40 lakh under the local area development fund of the Madurai West MLA, and the Kunnathur Chatram where shops from the Pudu Mandapam are to be relocated.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/10/stories/2006121018630300.htm

madurai veeran

December 10th, 2006, 02:55 AM

Ellis Nagar road overbridge coming up at a cost of Rs.20 crores, will not only speed up vehicular flow but also ensure safety of road-users. The existing two-way road overbridge of 7.5 metre width will be broadened to 28.5 metres and the stretch between the railway span and the eastern side will be a six-lane road. On the western side, the road overbridge will have an additional arm, instead of the existing single road leading to Arasaradi. The new arm will provide a direct link for road-users from the bridge to Ellis Nagar, connecting the Dindigul Bypass Road.

On the eastern side too, the Highways department is laying a new approach road linking Tirupparankundram Road with the bridge through the Periyar bus stand. Vehicles proceeding to western parts of the city from the TPK Road need not come up to the exit point at the Periyar bus stand. Instead they can take the new approach road and reach the bridge.

http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/14/stories/2005061414420300.htm

The above link shows how the Ellis nagar bridge was proposed to be built. Are the construction works at present in tune with the way it was proposed?. Do they have those arms branching out and those other technical aspects?. I hope they finish it by march. What about the other 2 ROB proposed (Palanganatham and Tiruparamkundram)?. Any signs of starting of those projects?.

Madurai

December 10th, 2006, 05:53 AM

The above link shows how the Ellis nagar bridge was proposed to be built. Are the construction works at present in tune with the way it was proposed?. Do they have those arms branching out and those other technical aspects?. I hope they finish it by march. What about the other 2 ROB proposed (Palanganatham and Tiruparamkundram)?. Any signs of starting of those projects?.

Palanganatham and Tirupparankundram ROBs will take more time I think. These bridges are part of JNNURM. So far, there is no sanction of funds for it. Also, Palanganatham seems to be a major bridge potentially affecting the NH7 traffic. Going by the speed of the ROB constructions, these two ROBs might take a long time. There is going to be another ROB at Tirupparankundram also, if I remember JNNURM details correctly.

arvindm

December 10th, 2006, 10:06 AM

The above link shows how the Ellis nagar bridge was proposed to be built. Are the construction works at present in tune with the way it was proposed?. Do they have those arms branching out and those other technical aspects?. I hope they finish it by march. What about the other 2 ROB proposed (Palanganatham and Tiruparamkundram)?. Any signs of starting of those projects?.
No, there is no construction going on over kattabomman statue or branching to Periyar bus stand as per this plan. May be he refers to first phase of the bridge that will be completed soon.

mduvignesh

December 11th, 2006, 06:22 AM

No, there is no construction going on over kattabomman statue or branching to Periyar bus stand as per this plan. May be he refers to first phase of the bridge that will be completed soon.

That is what I too thought when I noticed last month,When I was in MDU.
Will they construct as per design in next phase???

wcgokul

December 11th, 2006, 11:18 AM

The Japanese government has sanctioned a grant of nearly USD 170 million for the projects undertaken by two NGOs in South India for the uplift of the downtrodden, a press release from the consulate-general of Japan, Chennai, said.

The Japanese consul general Yoshiaki Kodaki signed a 'grant contract' with representatives of the two NGOs - Samuha based in Bangalore and Nanban based in Madurai-- on December 11, the release said.

Of the total grant, 88,430 dollars would be sanctioned to Samuha for its project to construct a community resource centre for the downtrodden in Koppal district, Karnataka, while the rest will be sanctioned to Nanban for the educatiion and vocational training of street youth, the release added.

MaduraiSelvam

December 11th, 2006, 11:26 AM

wcgokul

December 11th, 2006, 11:38 AM

wcgokul

December 11th, 2006, 11:40 AM

the article says that the amount for samuha would be for building a community resource centre so i guess the amount figures!!

Madurai

December 11th, 2006, 10:25 PM

Body mooted for industrialisation of southern districts

Special Correspondent

SPEED 2006 attracts investment commitments worth over Rs.5,000 crore

Government should come out with a master plan
Immediate need for Madurai is immigration and customs facilities at the airport

MADURAI : The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has mooted the formation of a joint body, including representatives of the Government and the industry, to facilitate a hassle-free industrialisation of southern districts.

Addressing media persons here on Monday on the impact of the recent three-day Southern Prosperity through Enhanced Economic Development (SPEED) 2006, a meet organised to showcase the strengths of the southern districts, T. Kannan, its chairman, said that a joint body had become imperative when investors were looking at Madurai in a big way.

During the meet, industrial commitments to the tune of over Rs.5000 crore were made. They included Rs.4500 crore investment in a proposed IT park by RR Industries, Rs.120 crore in a heritage hotel, mall and a convention centre by ETL Infrastructure Services, Rs.10 crore in a rice bran oil refinery, Rs.30 crore in a joint venture by Madras Holland, Rs.450 crore in a textile special economic zone in Tuticorin and Rs.25 crore in a cancer hospital by Apollo Hospitals. These were in addition to the joint initiative of Thiagarajar College of Engineering with MICO (to train carpenters, electricians and plumbers) and TVS ICS for research in mobile connectivity.
The State Government, he said, should come out with a master plan for the development of southern districts, providing a clear perspective. The CII would create a special cell and similar cells had to be created in government departments and ELCOT for project information and development.

R. Dinesh, co-chairman, said that the immediate requirement for Madurai was the provision of immigration and customs facilities at the airport.

This would enable operation of international and charter flights. Ligi George, chairman, CII, Madurai Zone, underscored the need to improve civic amenities and upgrade the facilities available in Madurai to improve tourism.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/12/stories/2006121210960100.htm

madurai veeran

December 12th, 2006, 12:12 AM

R. Dinesh, co-chairman, said that the immediate requirement for Madurai was the provision of immigration and customs facilities at the airport.

This would enable operation of international and charter flights.

The above demand for establishing an immigration and customs facility had been made by various associations, politicians and public, but has fallen in deaf ears of the AAI.

Varanasi and Gaya feature in the list of customs airport, while both fare very badly even in the domestic sector. The international flights havent taken off well either.

AAI has made these loss making investments while has ignored possible profit making deals. Its sad that all these are due to political reasons.

Why do they have this double standard?.

While TN like kerala has lots of NRI's in the Gulf, Singapore and Malaysia, hasn't capitalised over it to demand for better connectivity to those region from TN. A huge chunk of those people hail from south TN.

Also from a report i came to know that around 1 lakh foreign tourists visited Madurai in the year 2005. Im sure this would double if Madurai had international flights, and this would only help the economy of the region.

Im pretty sure that flights to the Gulf region, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia will surely have good patronage if introduced.

MaduraiSelvam

December 12th, 2006, 08:40 AM

While TN like kerala has lots of NRI's in the Gulf, Singapore and Malaysia, hasn't capitalised over it to demand for better connectivity to those region from TN. A huge chunk of those people hail from south TN.

Tamil Nadu has the biggest NRI population now in India, followed by Kerala.

calculus_ask

December 12th, 2006, 09:06 AM

Tamil Nadu has the biggest NRI population now in India, followed by Kerala.

do you have any figures or source for this...^^

MaduraiSelvam

December 12th, 2006, 10:56 AM

do you have any figures or source for this...^^

Yes wait, I was reading an article lately and have to dig into it and will post ASAP.

If someone could help for the source, the information was said my a Kerala central minister, Vayalar Ravi or someone in Central Govt.that, TamilNadu now had taken over Kerala with the biggest population/percentage of Indians living abroad.

Brand coimbatore

December 12th, 2006, 10:58 AM

I think spencer's is already there in coimbatore ,trichy n madurai.,coimbatore has two already...

MaduraiSelvam

December 12th, 2006, 12:00 PM

Naban deserves it, they have done a lot for Madurai.

Just some Maths querry, 170 Million - 88,430 (less than a Million)= 169 Million for Madurai? May be not!! Could you give the news source link, that we could check!

Here we go with the real figures,

Nanban received a grant of $81,028 with which it will procure tools and machines for automobile maintenance and an upgraded workshop, which will be equipped with a paint booth and a pickup truck. Apart from this a vocational training hall would also be constructed with the funds, said Consulate authorities.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/12/stories/2006121213370400.htm

Madurai

December 13th, 2006, 12:01 AM

Rajya Sabha

The Government has plans for the development of the Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichi Airports in Tamil Nadu. This information was given by Shri Praful Patel, Minister for Civil Aviation in the Parliament today.

Various development works like extension of runway, expansion and strengthening of apron have been taken up at Coimbatore airport. There are also proposals for expansion and modification of existing terminal building, construction of a new integrated terminal building complex and expansion of the existing cargo complex at this airport.

At Tiruchirappalli airport, the works relating to extension and strengthening of runway, construction of isolation bay and new fire station and construction of new terminal building with all modern facilities including two aerobridges along with expansion of the apron and link taxiway have been taken.

At Madurai airport, the works relating to extension and strengthening of runway along with expansion of apron, additional link taxiway, isolation bay and associated facilities and installation of ILS have been taken up. There is also a proposal for construction of new integrated terminal building complex with all modern amenities and facilities including installation of two aerobridges at this airport.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) in consultation with the State Government of Tamil Nadu has drawn out a plan for expansion & modernization of the Chennai Airport. However, further development is dependent upon the State Government acquiring 583 Ha of lands adjacent to the airport and handing over the same to AAI.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=23158

----------------
Its almost the same old news.

Madurai_Fanatic

December 13th, 2006, 05:26 AM

Not sure if already posted.. if yes.. forgive me..
Madurai , Nov. 22

Land prices have spurted significantly in the city since July. The announcement by the District Administration during the month that it has identified two sites, one in Madurai Kamaraj University campus and the other near Mattuthavani bus stand, for establishing an IT park and a TIDEL Park, respectively, has further added to the momentum.

For its part, the Madurai Corporation has identified an area near Kochadai in the outskirts of the city.

Prevailing rate

While the increase is around 30 per cent in general, the sites near Mattuthavani bus stand and Kochadai have risen manifold. Sites that were on offer between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000 before July near Mattuthavani bus stand, cost Rs 2 lakh and more and near Kochadai, the quote is Rs 1 lakh and more, according to Mr S. Seetharaman, Managing Director, Visvas Promoters (P) Ltd. Not lagging far behind are flats in apartment blocks with up-country promoters charging a basic price of Rs 2,300 per sq.ft. The local promoters, however, are not able to pitch that high despite an increase in the cost of construction and the spurt in land prices, says Mr A. Chandramouli, Managing Director, Sashwath Constructions (P) Ltd.

Bid to promote city

The Electronic Corporation of Tamil Nadu has agreed in principle to set up an IT park that would become operational in two years. The Confederation of Indian Industry and Tamilnadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other industry organisations are organising an IT event in the city soon to showcase Madurai as a destination for the IT sector.

Welcome as these initiatives are, they may help escalate the prices further. What may hurt development is the lack of infrastructure in the city, mentions Mr Chandramouli.

http://www.blonnet.com/2006/11/23/stories/2006112300772100.htm

Madurai_Fanatic

December 13th, 2006, 05:45 AM

I wonder how Madurai would manage these many HyperMarkets, Retail outlets...

Trinethra -- http://www.kamcity.com/namnews/asp/newsarticle.asp?newsid=30581

Aeren - http://propertybytes.com/?p=321

Max Retail - http://www.fibre2fashion.com/news/apparel-retail-chain-stores-news/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=21942

Pantaloon -- http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/01/23/stories/2006012301880300.htm

Vishal -- http://www.business-standard.com/lifeleisure/storypage.php?tab=r&autono=266729&subLeft=5&leftnm=5

Shopping Mall by ETL...

Reliance Fresh would definitely come in..

Kalyan Jewellers would open their showroom soon..

Alukkas (Joy) would open their showroom this month..

The commercial interest of the city would definitely grow.. this should be attributed to huge floating population...

MaduraiMani

December 13th, 2006, 08:05 AM

Illaiyankudi is near pandikovil(Near Ringroad) where the Tidel park is planned, In that road(Sivaganga road) there are 2 engg college(Raja Engg College and Pandiyan Saraswathi Engg College), TVS school and i think another engg college or some other college construction is going on that road. This place is around 15 min drive from anna bus stand and also nearer to Goverment Hosipital, American College, Aravid Eye hospital.

Madurai

December 13th, 2006, 08:12 PM

MaduraiMani

December 14th, 2006, 03:54 AM

I think Pandian Saraswathi engg college is located in sivaganga district, It is run by malayasia pandian(Owner of Naveen Bakery- Annanagar)

Madurai_Fanatic

December 14th, 2006, 04:06 AM

Check this article out in Business Standard...

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3388/stpivd5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

arvindm

December 14th, 2006, 04:33 AM

Check this article out in Business Standard...

Wow !!! Its a great news that Madurai is ranked third... Hope atleast now some BPO companies notice this and setup shop in MDU...

Is there any detailed report on how this is measured and what are the parameters considered?

-Arvind

Madurai_Fanatic

December 14th, 2006, 05:31 AM

Wow !!! Its a great news that Madurai is ranked third... Hope atleast now some BPO companies notice this and setup shop in MDU...

Is there any detailed report on how this is measured and what are the parameters considered?

-Arvind

I am sorry dear..I donno the details.. i saw this article in ELCOT website..IT news section.. i tried to fetch more information..but ended in vain.. as per the article, we have to wait for a month or so to get the report details...

Madurai_Fanatic

December 14th, 2006, 05:32 AM

Wow !!! Its a great news that Madurai is ranked third... Hope atleast now some BPO companies notice this and setup shop in MDU...

Is there any detailed report on how this is measured and what are the parameters considered?

-Arvind

What makes it more interesting is that.. when you consider India alone.. it would move up to second place!!!!!!

madurai veeran

December 14th, 2006, 10:59 AM

Madurai

December 14th, 2006, 11:00 PM

S. Annamalai

Infrastructure, low land prices key to development of southern districts

SPACE CONSTRAINT: There is an increasing pressure on infrastructure in Madurai as development gains steam. — Photo: G. Moorthy

MADURAI: Already investment commitments to the tune of Rs.5000 crore have flooded Madurai. In the coming years, they are anticipated to go up in multiples.
In addition to the human resources generated by educational institutions of southern districts, resources are to be borrowed from all over the State.

This will mean an escalation in construction activity, spurt in vehicle population and a change in lifestyle. Will the available infrastructure in Madurai be able to withstand pressures of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation? This is the question in the minds of all stakeholders.

Growth has taken place at less than snail's pace in the past. With a new- found zeal for tier II and III towns, investors have turned their eyes towards Madurai, which has already qualified to be the "most preferred investment destination" in the next decade.

A river that is perennially dry, a road network that includes a ring road and 12 radial roads and an inadequate underground drainage and garbage removal system are the basic infrastructure facilities available here. In addition, power will be a major constraint.

The city, by normal growth, would have brought suburban Melur and Tirumangalam into its fold, providing for the creation of a Greater Madurai. The opportunity has come now for formulating a perspective plan for Madurai and the southern districts.

Vision statement

The choice of the region as an information technology destination, commissioning of the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project and the creation of special economic zones will bring a lot of pressure on the available infrastructure.

That is the reason why the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has been demanding a vision statement for Madurai.

Planning should take into account the anticipated growth in the next decade. There is especially a need for wider roads and an outer ring road.

These were the demands put forth in the recently concluded expo, SPEED 2006, organised here by the CII.

Investors have shown an interest in Madurai because of its low real estate prices.

As news of new investments trickles in, prices have begun to skyrocket, despite the Government's assurance that it would have to step in to stop artificial escalation.

A square foot of land, which went for around Rs.20 on the Melur Road a few years back, is now quoted at Rs.250. There is also an apprehension among the public that growth will be lopsided, along the Aruppukottai Road, where the land cost is low.

If industrial units have to choose a place away from the city but nearer to the airport there is no other option than choosing the Aruppukottai Road, industry leaders say.

If the pressure on the city's infrastructure is to be minimised planners should think in terms of creating satellite towns around Madurai, they say.

Failure to improve infrastructure or check real estate prices will result in flight of investment to other destinations, the industry fears.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/15/stories/2006121518520300.htm

Madurai

December 14th, 2006, 11:01 PM

What makes it more interesting is that.. when you consider India alone.. it would move up to second place!!!!!!

That's right. Thanks for bringing out this news to cheer us up. :)

Madurai_Fanatic

December 15th, 2006, 01:27 AM

Its great to find Madurai ranked 2nd for BPO operations among tier II cities of India.

From the report we see Mysore and Mangalore are expected to have 800 and 900 crore Rs. IT export this year. IT growth has reached also the tier II cities in such a big way in Karnataka.

Such a thing has not happened in TN. Will Coimbatore, Madurai and Trichy witness such thing?.

Dont worry dear.. its going to happen soon.. and when it happens it would be happening at a very big level..beyond what you see in Mysore and Mangalore.. the climate has set now...

A friend of mine, who has been in Mangalore infy says that.. Mangalore, despite being a beautiful city, is not much suitable for IT..
The reason being.. the local Talent pool is not that good enough for IT.. who ever work there are from other parts of the country and no other company has shown much interest in setting a shop there.. Also, the human resources available from north Kerala are only interested in going to Gulf.. and the remote location (not easily accessible from Bangalore or Chennai).. Yet, being a major port, it has very good opportunity in other fields (oils refinery..) but not much in IT..
And As we all know, Bangalore has its own pollution, traffic and real estate problems... Now since TN is tangling carrots with Tier II cities and talent pool.. we can definitely get huge share of the IT pie..

MaduraiSelvam

December 15th, 2006, 01:24 PM

Google puts Aravind Eye Hospital on its `payment gateway'

Agrees in principle to offer knowledge support

MADURAI: The Aravind Eye Hospital (AEH) in Madurai is among seven institutions in the world that have been placed on the `payment gateway' of Google Foundation's charity website. Customers making online payment, particularly in the United States, can now contribute to the hospital's charity missions. For donations above $30, Google would chip in with $10.
The global IT major plans to showcase Aravind's innovative eye care delivery system as a model for developing countries. After Google's co-founder Larry Page visited the hospital in August, the company agreed to lend its expertise to build a virtual academy for providing technology and tele-medicine services across borders.
To raise funds
"We intend to use the funds raised through Google's initiative for providing cure for cancer in children and speciality eye treatment to deserving patients free of cost. They have agreed in principle to offer manpower and knowledge support. The idea is to employ IT in a big way for online training and education. We also want to build a scholarship fund," the Executive Director of AEH, R.D. Thulasiraj, told The Hindu here on Thursday.
Founded by G. Venkataswamy in 1976 as an 11-bed eye clinic in Madurai, the AEH is today acclaimed a world class eye care institution that performs 47 per cent of the eye surgeries in Tamil Nadu and 5 per cent in the country. For every patient who pays, the hospital treats two for free.
`Vision Centres'
Mr. Thulasiraj said the hospital was setting up `Vision Centres' in villages that would be connected to a state-of-the-art multimedia studio in AEH. "This will render online consultation and electronic transfer of medical records. We are trying to involve the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in this project that aims at taking quality eye care to rural India."
As part of the exchange programme, Google's engineers will work with the technology team of AEH to develop a comprehensive IT infrastructure to handle the huge patient database, video-conferencing and tele-medicine services.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/15/stories/2006121515560700.htm

ranga

December 15th, 2006, 05:23 PM

R2IChennai

December 15th, 2006, 06:32 PM

Madurai_Fanatic

December 15th, 2006, 08:51 PM

Does Mysore and Mangalore has varied representation of IT companies?
I dont know any other companies other than Infosys and Mphasis in those two cities. Madurai and Coimbatore needs atleast one of the major 5companies to set up shop there (TCS/Infy/Wipro/Satyam/CTS)

I totally agree to what I say.. I dont see any company other than Infy showing slightest of the interest in Mangalore or Mysore.. Also, the state government, unlike in Tamilnadu, is also not much interested in setting up IT parks which would attract investments...

Madurai

December 16th, 2006, 07:11 AM

http://www.dinamani.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=DND20061215230305&Title=Districts+Page&lTitle=U%F4YhPeLs&Topic=0&dName=U%D5%FBW&Dist=4

Tidel Park soon in Madurai, as per TN CM. No clear dates mentioned.

Madurai

December 16th, 2006, 07:14 AM

http://www.dinamani.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=DND20061215002259&Title=Districts+Page&lTitle=U%F4YhPeLs&Topic=0

Central Vegetable market promised by Madurai Mayor near Mattuthavani

Madurai

December 16th, 2006, 08:43 AM

IndiaGlitz [Saturday, December 16, 2006]

The success of recent movies including Kadhal, Sandai Kozhi and Thimiru has made Madurai a favorite destination for Tamil producers and directors.

Films which centered around Madurai went on to become big hits last year.

As a result now over a half-dozen movies are being shot in and around the temple town of Madurai.

Bharath starrer Koodal Nagar and Khilladi, Mana Madurai, Sarath starrer Vaitheeswaran, S J Suryah's Thirumagan among others, are being shot in and around Madurai.

Tamil film industry is driven by sentiments. Now that Madurai has become a favorite destination for production houses, obviously studios in Chennai have started to wear deserted looks.

http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/27795.html

madurai veeran

December 16th, 2006, 12:57 PM

Central Vegetable market promised by Madurai Mayor near Mattuthavani

Madurai city center is very crowded. Like how they moved out wholesale paddy market, fertilisers and flower market to Mattuthavani ,they should also expedite shifting of central market, whole sale fruit market and others. This would go a long way to reduce the traffic as all the lorries need not enter the city.

Once they do that, they should convert all those recovered places into multistoried parking places. Parking is posing a huge problem with increase in vehicles plying the roads.

Destination Madurai for directors

Even the recent bollywood movie GURU directed by Manirathnam was also shot in Madurai. TN government had reduced shooting charges which could also be a factor.

senthilnatha

December 16th, 2006, 01:21 PM

Does Mysore and Mangalore has varied representation of IT companies?
I dont know any other companies other than Infosys and Mphasis in those two cities. Madurai and Coimbatore needs atleast one of the major 5companies to set up shop there (TCS/Infy/Wipro/Satyam/CTS)

Coimbatore already have CTS (Global Delivery Centre) and TCS.

CTS - 1000 Professionals (Next year another 1500)
TCS - 200 Professionals

http://www.cognizant.com/html/contacts/contacts.asp

http://www.tcs.com/0_contact_us/india.htm

senthilnatha

December 16th, 2006, 01:37 PM

Does Mysore and Mangalore has varied representation of IT companies?
I dont know any other companies other than Infosys and Mphasis in those two cities. Madurai and Coimbatore needs atleast one of the major 5companies to set up shop there (TCS/Infy/Wipro/Satyam/CTS)

Coimbatore also have Perot Systems and Robert Bosch (Germany Based Engg. Giant)

http://perotsystems.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=pageA

http://www.boschindia.com/content/language1/html/7516.htm

madurai veeran

December 16th, 2006, 02:10 PM

Google image of Valayankulam region where the 2500 acre SIPCOT SEZ is proposed. Sholankuruni should also be somewhere here where the 400 acre Rudradev IT township is to come up.

Valayankulam is found on the Arupukottai road lot closer to the airport than was actually discussed before.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/5087/valayankulamkr4.jpg

MaduraiSelvam

December 16th, 2006, 11:23 PM

Self edited, repeated post

Madurai_Fanatic

December 17th, 2006, 01:51 AM

Joy Alukkas is opening their 10000 sqft new jewellery showroom in Madurai today...
with this, both the Alukkas have set their shops at one of the biggest bullion market in India.. (According to Nanayam vikatan, Madurai Bullion Market,with about 2500 shops, is the second biggest bullion market in India after Mumbai.. i am not sure how true it is..)

Already, Jos Alukkas and Thanga Mayil have big shops here... Orra diamonds have an exclusive showroom.. With kalyan sarees and jewellers also having plans for Madurai.. it would become a good market for jewellery...

http://img304.imageshack.us/img304/7053/alukkasuw0.png (http://imageshack.us)

cbeboy

December 17th, 2006, 07:15 AM

Infrastructure, low land prices key to southern districts' development (http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/17/stories/2006121703430300.htm)

Already investment commitments to the tune of Rs.5000 crore have flooded Madurai. In the coming years, they are anticipated to go up in multiples. In addition to the human resources generated by educational institutions of southern districts, resources are to be borrowed from all over the State. This will mean an escalation in construction activity, spurt in vehicle population and a change in lifestyle. Will the available infrastructure in Madurai be able to withstand pressures of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation? This is the question in the minds of all stakeholders.

Growth has taken place at less than snail's pace in the past. With a new- found zeal for tier II and III towns, investors have turned their eyes towards Madurai, which has already qualified to be the "most preferred investment destination" in the next decade.

A river that is perennially dry, a road network that includes a ring road and 12 radial roads and an inadequate underground drainage and garbage removal system are the basic infrastructure facilities available here. In addition, power will be a major constraint.

The city, by normal growth, would have brought suburban Melur and Tirumangalam into its fold, providing for the creation of a Greater Madurai.

The opportunity has come now for formulating a perspective plan for Madurai and the southern districts.

The choice of the region as an information technology destination, commissioning of the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project and the creation of special economic zones will bring a lot of pressure on the available infrastructure.

That is the reason why the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has been demanding a vision statement for Madurai.

Planning should take into account the anticipated growth in the next decade. There is especially a need for wider roads and an outer ring road. These were the demands put forth in the recently concluded expo, SPEED 2006, organised here by the CII.

Investors have shown an interest in Madurai because of its low real estate prices.

As news of new investments trickles in, prices have begun to skyrocket, despite the Government's assurance that it would have to step in to stop artificial escalation.

A square foot of land, which went for around Rs.20 on the Melur Road a few years back, is now quoted at Rs.250. There is also an apprehension among the public that growth will be lopsided, along the Aruppukottai Road, where the land cost is low. If industrial units have to choose a place away from the city but nearer to the airport there is no other option than choosing the Aruppukottai Road, industry leaders say.

If the pressure on the city's infrastructure is to be minimised planners should think in terms of creating satellite towns around Madurai, they say.

Failure to improve infrastructure or check real estate prices will result in flight of investment to other destinations, the industry fears.

MaduraiMani

December 18th, 2006, 05:16 AM

can anybody know that ground ceremony for rudradev township is celebrated or not. First they tell it would celebrate on dec 5 , then they told it would be celebrate on dec 15.

arvindm

December 18th, 2006, 07:29 AM

Madurai_Fanatic

December 18th, 2006, 07:57 AM

I visited madurai in last weekend. Koodal nagar ROB pillar work over rail lines is almost over and they are installing huge structures to connect bridge over rail lines.
Also this time only I noticed, Ellis nagar ROB branching into Periyar bus stand too. It is good design such that city buses goes towards Maapalayam need not go outside busstand to congest the kattabomman circle. I could not get snaps of these sites... Also the wholesale grains market building work is going on near koodal nagar. Pillars are being laid for this huge building.

Selvem, you have mentioned that some housing project is going to come up near Sikkandar Chavadi. Do you have any more info on this?

Arvind,
Thanks a lot for the live update... but i have a question about the wholesale grains market in Koodal Nagar..
I ve heard about this project.. of moving the market to koodal nagar.. could you tell me from where are they shifting this.. what is its current location?.. is it apart from the central market??

MaduraiSelvam

December 18th, 2006, 09:05 AM

I visited madurai in last weekend. Koodal nagar ROB pillar work over rail lines is almost over and they are installing huge structures to connect bridge over rail lines.
Also this time only I noticed, Ellis nagar ROB branching into Periyar bus stand too. It is good design such that city buses goes towards Maapalayam need not go outside busstand to congest the kattabomman circle. I could not get snaps of these sites... Also the wholesale grains market building work is going on near koodal nagar. Pillars are being laid for this huge building.

Selvem, you have mentioned that some housing project is going to come up near Sikkandar Chavadi. Do you have any more info on this?

It will start only after the completion of ROB, the Jeeva Theatre owners are planning to do the construction and my company is doing the construction.

Madurai_Fanatic

December 18th, 2006, 09:11 AM

It will start only after the completion of ROB, the Jeeva Theatre owners are planning to do the construction and my company is doing the construction.

What housing project?? how big is it??

MaduraiSelvam

December 18th, 2006, 11:04 AM

What housing project?? how big is it??
The Jeeva Theatre complex was constructed by our company and now Vellachami Devar has passed away and his son has taken over the charge. The plan is to make a residential area and to start with they will go for 1 crore worth initial investment making around 50 houses. They are lobbying for much bigger investment. I heard the project is waiting or on hold until the finishing of the bridge and starting of a Govt. project at Savady to build a Central Lorry Shed for Southern TN.

Madurai

December 18th, 2006, 08:06 PM

Arvind,
Thanks a lot for the live update... but i have a question about the wholesale grains market in Koodal Nagar..
I ve heard about this project.. of moving the market to koodal nagar.. could you tell me from where are they shifting this.. what is its current location?.. is it apart from the central market??

My guess is that Arvind is talking about Nelpettai. If this is true, its definitely a big relief for the residents and the people who drive thru the area. Obviously it will have a severe impact on the business in that area. If the Vegetable market is also shifted to MT as per the current plan, it will relieve the Old Madurai around the temple. There will be lesser vehicles, pollution and scope for modernising that area too.

Madurai

December 18th, 2006, 08:08 PM

I visited madurai in last weekend. Koodal nagar ROB pillar work over rail lines is almost over and they are installing huge structures to connect bridge over rail lines.
Also this time only I noticed, Ellis nagar ROB branching into Periyar bus stand too. It is good design such that city buses goes towards Maapalayam need not go outside busstand to congest the kattabomman circle. I could not get snaps of these sites... Also the wholesale grains market building work is going on near koodal nagar. Pillars are being laid for this huge building.

Selvem, you have mentioned that some housing project is going to come up near Sikkandar Chavadi. Do you have any more info on this?

Arvind,
Great to hear this. Nice to see Koodal Nagar ROB is getting closer to completion. Also, good to note that Ellis Nagar ROB's branch is being constructed as per the earlier plan.
Where is this new wholesale grains market? Is it near the Ring road or Railway line? How big is this going to be? Let us know if you have any idea.
Did you happen to notice any development on the Sellur ROB?

madurai veeran

December 18th, 2006, 11:47 PM

As far as i know, the whole sale paddy(nelpettai), fertilisers and flowers market have already been shifted to the Integrated Market which is functioning near Mattuthavani bus stand. This building which was constructed at a cost of nearly 15 crore Rs. is functioning for more than a year now.

Im not sure what is being constructed at koodal nagar.

The old city area is really crowded. There is mad rush of lorries and other modes of transport during the late evenings and early mornings to load and unload goods. The city administration in the lines of the Integrated Market at MT bus stand must also move out central vegetables market, whole sale fruit market etc. I recently read in some tamil daily that the Mayor had accepted the request to shift central market to city outskirts made by the traders. The should convert the recovered places into multistoried parking places.

Madurai_Fanatic

December 19th, 2006, 01:19 AM

A 20 Lakh feasibility report on 3rd phase of ring road is to be prepared soon..
Now.. Kappalur to Samayanallur is going to be 4-lane as it is a part of NH-7..
Existing ring road has also been given to NHAI for making it a 4-lane..(it would act as the NH 45B bye-pass..) Hope the make the 3rd phase also a 4 lane..It would be definitely great.. It would be like the Interstate loops you have around the major cities in US..
Those who know about US road system...will definitely know about the ring roads they form around cities to ensure free flow of bye-passing traffic and make ppl in the city move around faster...

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/921/ringroad1bm2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Madurai

December 19th, 2006, 01:38 AM

Madurai Fanatic, Thanks for sharing the news. Good to see the map too.

madurai veeran

December 19th, 2006, 02:05 AM

NHAI has allotted 20 lakh Rs. to prepare and submit a report on the 3rd phase of the ring road connecting Samayanallur to Uthangudi. As per plan the ring road was to be developed in 3 phases.

First phase

The first phase linking Uthangudi to Kappalur, a distance of 27 kms was completed in 2000. This stretch helped vehicles bound northwards to Melur road from Thirumangalam and vice versa.[This stretch has been recently taken over by NHAI for 4 laning process]

Second phase

The second phase of the ring road, a 4 lane road connecting kappalur to Samayanallur is currently being executed by NHAI at a cost of 80 crore Rs. This road would go through Thirunagar, Keelakuyilkudi, Nagamalai pudhukottai to reach Samayanallur. This stretch would benefit vehicles bound to Vadipatti from Thirumangalam and vice versa.

Third phase

At present vehicles bound to Sivagangai and Ramanathapuram from Samayanallur have to go into the city. The third phase when implemented would remove this difficulty. NHAI has already started with the preliminary works in this regard. Highways engineers visited various places in this stretch to decide where to link which roads. Once the report is ready then tenders will be called for.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks Madurai Fanatic for sharing with us this great news. The diagram showing the various phases looks impressive.

Madurai

December 19th, 2006, 04:57 AM

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=19_12_2006_104_012&type=1&mode=1

Madurai

December 19th, 2006, 04:59 AM

Madurai

December 19th, 2006, 05:00 AM

Madurai_Fanatic

December 19th, 2006, 06:48 AM

MG line to be closed by April as per the plan.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=19_12_2006_152_006&type=1&mode=1

--------------
I have no optimism on this project. Indian Railways is neglecting and leaving this stretch as mess and successfully doing it to avoid running new daily trains in this route.

I too keep wondering on why the Railways has never shown a keen interest in doubling & electrifying the Chennai - Nagercoil section...
It is the most profitable section and carries the most number of ppl in Southern Railways..check this article...http://www.hindu.com/2005/08/24/stories/2005082415910800.htm... it says it has been the most profitable route for the last 3 consecutive years...check out the increase in number of passengers.. This single line is competing with the Chennai - Bangalore and Chennai - Coimbatore double lines.. and still winning..
This statistics should have been an eye opener.. but still..Railways pretend not to pay attention...
Also regarding the electrification proposal for Chennai-tuticorin stretch.. now they are doing from villupuram to trichi... after completing this they would take up the trichi madurai.. and then madurai-tuticorin..
Why dont the start electrification from tutiocorin to trichi now itself..why dont they do these 2 separate phases simultaneously.. ???
You guys have any idea of why Railways is not working to expedite this???

MaduraiSelvam

December 19th, 2006, 07:04 AM

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=19_12_2006_104_012&type=1&mode=1

May be it needs more buildings and facilities, only then the field can be useful and maintained.

arvindm

December 19th, 2006, 10:27 AM

Arvind,
Great to hear this. Nice to see Koodal Nagar ROB is getting closer to completion. Also, good to note that Ellis Nagar ROB's branch is being constructed as per the earlier plan.
Where is this new wholesale grains market? Is it near the Ring road or Railway line? How big is this going to be? Let us know if you have any idea.
Did you happen to notice any development on the Sellur ROB?

The market site is closer to Ring road that will be constructed between MT and Paravai. This is just after Sikandar chavadi village that is about 2-3 KMs from the railway line. (Around 1-2 KMs from Koodal nagar bus terminus). The complex should be bigger than the other market in Mattuthavani as per my judgement on seeing the area being constructed... I heard this is going to be the biggest in India and fully air-conditioned.. I Don't have data in figures

Sellur ROB construction is going on but could not see any major visible progress..

I am not sure where this wholesale grains market currently located..

madurai veeran

December 19th, 2006, 10:51 AM

A view of the progress on 4 lanning between Madurai and Dindigul

Source : Dinamalar

http://img450.imageshack.us/img450/252/19122006108002001vb6.jpg

The above picture shows the progress of works between Dindigul - Vathalagundu roundabout to Madurai section roundabout.

madurai veeran

December 19th, 2006, 12:43 PM

Madurai_Fanatic

December 19th, 2006, 02:57 PM

http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/2121/nhsf8.jpg

The above picture shows the 3 National Highways namely NH 45B, NH 7 and NH 49 criscrossing Madurai. Among these as far as i know MDU-Dindigul and MDU-Virudhunagar section of NH 7 and MDU-Trichy section of NH 45B are in various stages of progress.

What about the MDU-Arupukottai-Tuticorin stretch of NH 45B and MDU-Rameshwaram stretch on NH 49?. They where also proposed to be 4 lanned right?. Is there any progress happening in those stretches?. I dont find any news about them. Please update if you know any info in this regard.

Madurai veeran,
Work on that stretch has also started. I saw an article in Dinamalar few days back with pictures showing fallen trees in Aruppukottai for the coming up Bye-pass...

And if i am not wrong, there is no proposal as such for the Madurai Rameshwaram section.. but few months back, Dinamalar stated that the NHAI officials were studying the feasibility of making it a four lane..I donno how far the report stands..

I wish they also make the Madurai-Kochi highway a four laned one... which would make Madurai well connected to 3 major ports on road..(Chennai [7 hours after 4 laning], Tuticorin [2 hours], Kochi [4-5 hours])

madurai veeran

December 20th, 2006, 12:01 AM

madurai veeran

December 20th, 2006, 01:06 AM

A view of the Work on progress in the middle section of the Koodal Nagar ROB

Looks like finally the work is gathering pace. :)

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2192/20122006104002001pr5.jpg

Madurai

December 20th, 2006, 05:17 AM

Thanks Arvind for the updates and Madurai Veeran for the picture.

arvindm

December 20th, 2006, 06:21 AM

Survey on the Dindigul-Kumuli stretch of the NH 22 has begun. The project of 4 lanning is estimated to cost Rs. 600 crore. The NH once 4 lanned will be renamed as NH 45. As part of this project few bypasses will be built for towns on this stretch. Tenders will be called for once the survey report and other formalities are ready.

Source : Dinamalar

I am confused. There is no NH road from Dindugal to Kumuli. Only way is thru Madurai. And Dindual-Madurai section 4 laning is already going on. So this means, Madurai - Theni-Kumili 4 laning will be done as part of this?

madurai veeran

December 20th, 2006, 07:28 AM

I am confused. There is no NH road from Dindugal to Kumuli. Only way is thru Madurai. And Dindual-Madurai section 4 laning is already going on. So this means, Madurai - Theni-Kumili 4 laning will be done as part of this?

There is a road from Dindigul to Kumuli via Periyakulam, Theni and Bodi. Im not sure when they updated it to NH. I think the Dinamalar news could be about this stretch. I feel it would be better to 4 lane MDU-Theni-Kumuli instead of the other route :) .

I checked with the NHAI website, and it says Dindigul to Kumuli via Periyakulam is to be taken up under NHDP IIIB. Under this MDU to Rameshwaram will also be taken up. Both are yet to be awarded under BOT.

Madurai_Fanatic

December 20th, 2006, 07:31 AM

I am confused. There is no NH road from Dindugal to Kumuli. Only way is thru Madurai. And Dindual-Madurai section 4 laning is already going on. So this means, Madurai - Theni-Kumili 4 laning will be done as part of this?

I am also pretty much confused on this report.. check out the map below..of NH 49...
there is no National Highways connecting dindigul and theni...
Also.. Madurai - Theni will carry more volume than Dindigul-Theni... i am not sure on what the miss print is all about..
off the topic...in the map you can see that 7 roads branching out ot madurai is NH..NH 208 starts out of madurai..(NH 45B is missing in the pic.)

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4448/nh49qs8.png (http://imageshack.us)

Madurai_Fanatic

December 20th, 2006, 07:35 AM

Madurai_Fanatic

December 20th, 2006, 07:42 AM

There is a road from Dindigul to Kumuli via Periyakulam, Theni and Bodi. Im not sure when they updated it to NH. I think the Dinamalar news could be about this stretch. I feel it would be better to 4 lane MDU-Theni-Kumuli instead of the other route :) .

I checked with the NHAI website, and it says Dindigul to Kumuli via Periyakulam is to be taken up under NHDP IIIB. Under this MDU to Rameshwaram will also be taken up. Both are yet to be awarded under BOT.

You may be right.. the website says the number to be NH220.. it could be a printing mistake in the paper.. But.. are you sure that all the sectors mentioned in the website are going to be 4-laned??? it could be that they are being strenghtened and widened a bit..

MaduraiSelvam

December 20th, 2006, 11:52 AM

Check this out.. After the 2 alukkas..now it is the Bhima jewellers from Kerala who is planning to set a shop in Madurai...

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEO20061219232207&Page=O&Title=Thiruvananthapuram&Topic=0

From my visit earlier and then exploring about the exployees from our friend jewellery shop. When we compare the Nagai kadai veethi shops, where we have few hundreds of jewellery shops these Alukkas have like atleast 10 of dozens of Kerala boys well dressed like a sales person and paid very poor salary, and staying in a hostel of 8 person in a room. I dont understand how these guys who have seen the modern side of the world can take a job like that! Usually in Madurai a job in jewellery shop is well paid. Probably these guys are not allowed to talk with the locals.

sudheeshnairs

December 20th, 2006, 01:54 PM

You may be right.. the website says the number to be NH220.. it could be a printing mistake in the paper.. But.. are you sure that all the sectors mentioned in the website are going to be 4-laned??? it could be that they are being strenghtened and widened a bit..

NH 220 is there, It is from Kollam to Theni. I think NH 220 and NH 208 (Kollam-Thirumangalam) are the same in the Kollam-Kottarakkara stretch. NH 208 goes via Punalur- Thenmala-Shencottah-Rajapalayam-Srivilliputur joining NH 7 at Thirumangalam.

There is a little confusion for me regarding whether the stretch from Kottarakkara to Kottayam is under NH 220 (it is state highway 1 or MC road). Anyway Kottayam to Theni is NH 220. I have driven through both the roads. I recently drove through NH 220 while I went to Munnar via Kottayam-Ponkunnam-Kanjirapally-Kuttikkanam.

See the road here..

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=10126727&postcount=3

Madurai

December 20th, 2006, 10:34 PM

CHENNAI: The State-level Sanctioning Committee of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, headed by Local Administration Minister M.K.Stalin, has recommended that the Centre approve six urban renewal projects relating to sanitation, roads and solid waste management in Chennai and Madurai worth Rs.263 crore.

The projects, once approved by the Centre, will be financed under the JNNURM. The Mission aims to encourage reforms and fast track planned development of identified cities.

...............

Madurai schemes

The four remaining schemes are for the Madurai urban agglomeration — solid waste management scheme costing Rs.110 crore, Rs.115-crore road improvement scheme, check dams across Vaigai (Rs.4.8 crore) and the Avaniyapuram underground sewage scheme costing Rs.23.9 crore.

The recommendations will be sent to the Central Project Sanction Committee, which, in turn, will refer this for technical appraisal to a technical sub-committee.

"In some cases, the committee asks for clarifications. If they do, then it will take some time. But projects get approved in the first instance of appraisal also," said an official. The Chennai Water Supply augmentation project was submitted on November 11 this year and cleared on November 24. The Madurai water supply scheme was approved 15 days after it was submitted, at the first meeting of the Sanction Committee.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/21/stories/2006122112300400.htm

madurai veeran

December 20th, 2006, 11:29 PM

Madurai schemes

The four remaining schemes are for the Madurai urban agglomeration — solid waste management scheme costing Rs.110 crore, Rs.115-crore road improvement scheme, check dams across Vaigai (Rs.4.8 crore) and the Avaniyapuram underground sewage scheme costing Rs.23.9 crore.

Hats off to the efforts taken by MDU corporation officials in availing the benifits from JNNURM. Recently MDU got approval for the water supply augmentation scheme and now its project worth Rs. 254 Crore waiting for centers nod. I hope it gets approved soon like the previous project.

The highlight would be the Rs. 115 crore road improvement works. Any idea or info on the road works that has been included under this proposed project?.

MaduraiSelvam

December 20th, 2006, 11:37 PM

A view of the Work on progress in the middle section of the Koodal Nagar ROB

Looks like finally the work is gathering pace. :)

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2192/20122006104002001pr5.jpg

Good that work is prgressing, I heard that the railway gate will still be retained for the lower roads. The concern is the frequent lorry services from the railway shed will crowd into the overbridges when the gate is closed. May be the road connection to Matuthavani bus station from Koodal Nagar Railway station should be started.

madurai veeran

December 21st, 2006, 12:07 AM

Finally the AIIMS project which was illuding Madurai and Trichy has finally ended up with Salem. Any updates on the Thoracic hospital proposed at Madurai?.

madurai veeran

December 21st, 2006, 12:10 AM

ETL Infra plans big investments in Madurai

ETL Infrastructure Services Ltd, promoted by Elnet Technologies Ltd and Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd, plans big investments in Madurai and other southern districts of Tamil Nadu.

Hotel 'Heritage Madurai' at a cost of Rs. 75 Crore

The company is presently building a heritage resort hotel in Madurai, which is known for temples and textiles, at a total investment of Rs 75 crore.

Targeted at tourists and businessmen, the hotel to be named ‘Heritage Madurai’, will come up on 14.5 acres. It will have 68 rooms in the first phase and is expected to be ready by June 2007. The number of rooms will be increased to 100 in the second phase.

ETL has acquired the Old Madurai Club property, originally designed by eminent Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, to renovate and add more facilities to create an architecturally unique resort.

“Madurai has a colonial history and we see this as a revival of something which has been forgotten. We have taken over a colonial building, refurbished it and are developing it as a resort hotel by maintaining the designs and traditions of the city," said Jair D'souza, vice-president (commercial), ETL Infrastructure.

World class Convention center cum Mall at a cost of Rs. 100 Crore

As Madurai is seen as a potential Tier-II destination for IT, ITES and manufacturing sector and several companies eyeing the city, ETL also plans to build a shopping complex and a world-class convention centre in the temple city at an investment of Rs 100 crore.

http://www.business-standard.com/compindustry/storypage.php?tab=r&autono=268634&subLeft=1&leftnm=1

Madurai

December 21st, 2006, 01:55 AM

Hats off to the efforts taken by MDU corporation officials in availing the benifits from JNNURM. Recently MDU got approval for the water supply augmentation scheme and now its project worth Rs. 254 Crore waiting for centers nod. I hope it gets approved soon like the previous project.

The highlight would be the Rs. 115 crore road improvement works. Any idea or info on the road works that has been included under this proposed project?.

Today's Dinakaran Madurai Edition has all the details. I found it in the epaper. 4 Flyovers and 14 subways being planned as part of JNNURM. That list seemed to be the same as what we all discussed earlier from JNNURM reports.

Madurai

December 21st, 2006, 01:58 AM

Finally the AIIMS project which was illuding Madurai and Trichy has finally ended up with Salem. Any updates on the Thoracic hospital proposed at Madurai?.

It looks like a 100 cr hospital for Trichy is being assured by State from it's funds. Though there has been some news about hospitals in Madurai, so far no concrete news has emerged.

Madurai

December 21st, 2006, 02:00 AM

ETL Infra plans big investments in Madurai

http://www.business-standard.com/compindustry/storypage.php?tab=r&autono=268634&subLeft=1&leftnm=1

Does anyone know where this hotel/resort going to be?

madurai veeran

December 21st, 2006, 02:09 AM

Update on Phase III(Melur-Samayanallur) ring road

Source : Dinamalar

The project is planned to be finished in 2 years. The revenue dept officials are finding it difficult to take over land from the 14 villages along the route. Also the process has been complicated with some land on the route alloted for the 2 acre barren land scheme promoted by the state govt. The officials said that alternate land will be provided to those who have been identified under this scheme. They added that they were into the process of acquiring land, buildings on the route.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=21_12_2006_012_008&type=1&mode=1

madurai veeran

December 21st, 2006, 02:45 AM

Does anyone know where this hotel/resort going to be?

I googled to find this info. Have a look at this article and the pictures of the buildings.

Martin Henry was appointed general manager of Madurai Mills in 1970. At the time the large thread-making company based in and around the South Indian city of Madurai ran two staff clubs: the Madurai Club in the centre of the town was an exclusive European preserve offering 'chambers' to outstation members and visitors, while the Garden Club in the suburb of Kochidi was for Indian staff and consisted of a simple bungalow with billiard room, card room and a verandah for dancing. Henry resolved to sell the old Madurai Club, using the proceeds to turn the Garden Club into a single meeting place for all his senior staff, and after sharing a drink with Bawa, asked him if he would be the architect for the new club. Bawa travelled to Madurai on 24 July and stayed two nights with the Henrys, visiting the site, collecting survey drawings of the existing buildings and subjecting Henry to twenty-four hours of intensive grilling. Three weeks later he returned to Madurai with a full set of design proposals. At this point Henry added one further stipulation: the new club should be built entirely from materials found within 10 kilometres of the site. Bawa rose to the challenge and proposed that the structural columns should be of honey-coloured stone quarried from the local Nagamalai Hill and that stone slabs from an old mill should be used for the floors.

More.... http://archnet.org/library/sites/one-site.tcl?site_id=7302

As per the article it says Martin Henry built 2 clubs namely madurai club and garden club. Madurai club was located in the heart of the city and the other one was located in Kochadai. Since the second one was designed by a srilankan and the ETL news also says that the property was designed by a srilankan. I guess the property must be in Kochadai.

Madurai_Fanatic

December 21st, 2006, 02:58 AM

The following article is about the phase III of madurai Ring road..
It has the photo where it is about to start.. Since this point is going to be the intersection of 2 four-lane roads..(Tiruchi - Mdu and ring road)... we could possibly expect a grade separated flyover here like the one being constructed in Kathipara.. A similar one should also come up in Samayanallur where NH-7 and ring road are going to intersect..

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/402/ringroad1df3.png (http://imageshack.us)
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/6402/ringroad2ry7.png (http://imageshack.us)

Jist:

The ring road would connect uthangudi and samayanallur @ 100 crores..
The 3rd phase would start from this point in uthangudi and will join the NH at Northern part of the bridge (?????) @ Samayanallur..It would cross Alagarkoil, Natham, Kulamangalam, Alanganallur, paravai, moolakuruchi roads...
It would cross 18 villages and would be a 4 lane road..
If there is any problem with any part of land enroute, it will be identified in the report and accordingly the path would be modified..
An Agency would prepare a detailed report on amount of land to be acquired at various places.
According to an official.. the report should be ready in 3 months.. and the road should be ready in another 2 years..

If there is any delay in land acquisition, it would obviously delay the project.
Already, Corporation has handed over the existing ring road to NHAI for 4 laning..(27 kms)..
The kappalur - samayanallur road will be of 14 Kms.. this phase III will have 18 kms..
Hence, if everything goes well, at the end of 2 years, there will be a 59 kms of 4 laned road around madurai...!!!!

I believe at all the 7 road crossings should have flyovers..

madurai veeran

December 21st, 2006, 03:17 AM

The following article is about the phase III of madurai Ring road..
It has the photo where it is about to start.. Since this point is going to be the intersection of 2 four-lane roads..(Tiruchi - Mdu and ring road)... we could possibly expect a grade separated flyover here like the one being constructed in Kathipara.. A similar one should also come up in Samayanallur where NH-7 and ring road are going to intersect..

Jist:

The ring road would connect uthangudi and samayanallur @ 100 crores..
The 3rd phase would start from this point in uthangudi and will join the NH at Northern part of the bridge (?????) @ Samayanallur..It would cross Alagarkoil, Natham, Kulamangalam, Alanganallur, paravai, moolakuruchi roads...
It would cross 18 villages and would be a 4 lane road..
If there is any problem with any part of land enroute, it will be identified in the report and accordingly the path would be modified..
An Agency would prepare a detailed report on amount of land to be acquired at various places.
According to an official.. the report should be ready in 3 months.. and the road should be ready in another 2 years..

I believe at all the 7 road crossings should have flyovers..

Thanx Madurai fanatic for the info. The pictures look great.

I doubt wheather they would have flyovers cos with the 1st phase they dint build flyovers at road crossings. But it would be great if they build flyovers :).

Madurai_Fanatic

December 21st, 2006, 03:28 AM

Thanx Madurai fanatic for the info. The pictures look great.

I doubt wheather they would have flyovers cos with the 1st phase they dint build flyovers at road crossings. But it would be great if they build flyovers :).

I know.. but the first phase was a 2 laned one.. and not a 4 laned one..
Also, phase I becomes a part of NH-45 (except for a small stretch from the Arupukottai road to thirumangalam road..) hence while 4 laning they will construct flyovers..(you can also see JNNURM for details..).. Also the Second phase is a part of NH-7.. hence it should also have flyovers.. I am hoping this one to have flyovers at least at alagarkoil and Natham roads..as they are very major intersections..

Madurai

December 21st, 2006, 03:43 AM

All the Highway intersections should be built with flyovers. I am hoping that the NH7 bypass will have the same near Thoppur(Kappalur). Can someone post the Dinakaran Epaper(Page 3) which contains the Flyover and Subway details under JNNURM?

Thanks Madurai Veeran for the info on the possible location of that resort. I doubted the same.

madurai veeran

December 21st, 2006, 11:58 AM

Madurai corporation to forward 4 flyovers and 14 subways projects under JNNURM

The corporation has come up with a plan to build flyovers and subways to decongest the city. It is expected that in 6 years the vehicles population in mdu would have increased by 60%.

To benifit from JNNURM, corporation had appointed a techinical agency to prepare a survey and plan report to decongest Madurai. The agency has identified places after studying the traffic pattern in the city. The info is as follows,

Flyovers :

1. Vilakuthoon Kamarajar road section
2. Yanaikal
3. Near Periyar bus stand on Haiyathkan road
4. Aavin four road junction.

Subways :

1. Goripalayam Devar statue
2. East veli street near St. Marys church(2 subways)
3. West veli street near sakthi sivam theater
4. Central post office
5. Railway station(2 subways)
6. Yanaikal
7. District court
8. Periyar bus stand
9. Kalavasal junction
10. Alagar koil road near Tallakulam perumal temple
11. Periyar Statue
12. Mattuthavani bus stand

Preliminary survey on the number of vehicles plying over these stretches have already started. The agency will submit the project report on January 15th. Then the corporation will get the state government permission and send the proposal to centre to get them done under JNNURM.

Source : Dinamalar

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=79220&code=19792

Madurai

December 21st, 2006, 07:07 PM

madurai veeran

December 21st, 2006, 07:23 PM

Kudos to Madurai Veeran for patiently translating the contents. I have a concern when they say subway. I am assuming that it is not pedestrian subways. Or is it? But some of the locations give me a hint that these are pedestrian subways. Though pedestrian subways are helpful in reducing traffic congestion and saving lives, there must be some vehicle subways all around Madurai.

I feel those are pedestrain subways cos Yanaikal features in both flyover and subways projects.

Is the pedestrain subway near GH being utilised properly by the public?.

I feel pedestrain subways will find better use than the foot over bridge. The FOB at periyar bus stand is totally neglected.

Subways for vehicles have the disadvantage of beeing flooded during rainy season. And madurai is notorious for getting flooded with moderate rainfall. So, i would prefer flyovers at some important junction in MDU.

Madurai

December 21st, 2006, 08:15 PM

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=23570

From the report in the above link, things are not looking good about Madurai Airport's progress. It remains to be in the same status. :ohno:

Madurai

December 21st, 2006, 08:17 PM

I feel those are pedestrain subways cos Yanaikal features in both flyover and subways projects.

Is the pedestrain subway near GH being utilised properly by the public?.

I feel pedestrain subways will find better use than the foot over bridge. The FOB at periyar bus stand is totally neglected.

Subways for vehicles have the disadvantage of beeing flooded during rainy season. And madurai is notorious for getting flooded with moderate rainfall. So, i would prefer flyovers at some important junction in MDU.

I totally agree with you on the flooding issue. I would also like to see flyovers. But, I thought subways might be easier to build in the congested areas. If Flyovers are possible, they should build it.

madurai veeran

December 22nd, 2006, 10:16 PM

Madurai

December 22nd, 2006, 11:10 PM

The runway expansion to 7500 feet has not been completed yet. Thats what news sources tell. I hope its in the final stages. No words on when it would be completed.

Didn't they start work on the runway expansion like in April 2005. I thought that in itself was a great delay as the 60 acres of land needed for expansion was handed over to AAI way back in October 2003. What the hell is happening? :bash: . The delay in expansion has had a serious effects during the peak seasons(Apr-Jun) as private airlines could not operate A320 becos of load penality factor.

The district authorities had identified 441 acres for the expansion to 9000 feet i guess a month ago. Now they are in the process of acquiring the above mentioned land. Land will not be a problem for airport expansion and soon they will hand over the land to AAI.

But when will AAI carryout the expansion?. Going by their track record 9000 feet of runway is still a distant dream for Madurai.

9000 ft runway is definitely a distant dream. Madurai has already lost out to Trichy for international connections. It will still lose out to other cities with the way AAI and the Governments are handling it. Though the MPs and Ex-MPs have voiced their demands along with trade associations on the need for upgrading the airport and for having international flights, the governments have shown little progress on it. It has changed over a period of time, but not upto the speed it deserves.
I think we have to be content with minimal services for some more years.

Madurai

December 23rd, 2006, 09:40 AM

http://www.dinamani.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=DND20061221220619&Title=Districts+Page&lTitle=U%F4YhPeLs&Topic=0

As per the report in the above link, there is a demand for extending the runway at Madurai for 12000 ft to handle big cargo flights. Land acquisition is in progress to extend it from 7500 to 9000 ft right now.

madurai veeran

December 23rd, 2006, 11:04 AM

As per the report in the above link, there is a demand for extending the runway at Madurai for 12000 ft to handle big cargo flights. Land acquisition is in progress to extend it from 7500 to 9000 ft right now.

The below picture shows that there is only scope for runway length of 10,000 feet. The runway on both the east and west end is surrounded by ring road. Extension of runway to 9000 feet and above also requires eviction of the small village, which shouldn't be a problem when compared to the scale of settlement around Chennai airport.

I think they need to address the problem caused by the ring road before they go ahead with the 4 lanning process. The should re-align the ring road in such a way that future expansion to 12,000 feet is possible.

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/1143/runway1xm8.jpg

P.S : The picture is outdated and currently runway expansion to 7500 feet is on.

madurai veeran

December 23rd, 2006, 05:07 PM

Shri Govindaraja Mills, part of the Rs 1,000 crore Jaya Vilas Group, has lined up a modernisation plan with an investment tag of Rs 30 crore. It envisages expansion and modernisation of its four mills in Aruppukottai in Tamil Nadu.

The company has been registering a 25% year-on-year growth. The expansion and modernisation of its units in Aruppukottai would cost Rs 80 crore. The funding would be through internal accruals, he said, adding that the company is eyeing a turnover of Rs 150 crore by March 2007 from Rs 120 crore last year.

Mr Varadaraj said 50% of the yarn production is for the export market. The main markets included Israel, Europe, the US, Korea, Turkey and Italy. "We want to break into Japan. We also want to enter focus markets like Morocco and Latin America due to the government incentives," he added.

Shri Govindaraja Mills has a 50,000-spindle mill for fine exports. The supplies go to yarn consumption centres in the Madurai and surrounding belt, besides Maharashtra, Delhi, Rajasthan and Kolkata. Recently, the company bagged the Frost and Sullivan super platinum award in the emerging facilities category.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Shri_Govindaraja_Mills_lines_up_Rs_350_cr_expansion_plan/articleshow/910623.cms

madurai veeran

December 23rd, 2006, 09:11 PM

Madurai, Dec. 24 (PTI): A Medical Research Centre like the All India Institute of Medicine Sciences would be established at Thoppur near here on a 100-Acre site, Tamil Nadu Health Minister K K S S R Ramachandran said.

Inaugurating the "Chamber Trade Fair -2007",organised by the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Friday, he said the Union Health ministry had assured that it would take up the project by next year.

The Government Rajaji Hospital here had been catering to about 10000 out-patients daily and now efforts were being taken to provide quality service.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200612240325.htm

MaduraiSelvam

December 23rd, 2006, 09:20 PM

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/004200612240325.htm

Does this mean that TN get two centers, one in Salem and another in Madurai?

or is it just politics that KKSR is reading the same paper in all the cities he is visiting?

madurai veeran

December 23rd, 2006, 09:35 PM

There shouldn't be any problem in a state having 2 AIIMS type hospitals. AP would soon be having two (Hyderabad and Tirupati) on the lines of AIIMS.

It all depends on the union minister Anbumani Ramadass.

Since this news has been doing rounds in Madurai for a long time, people would feel totally let down if the centre fails to keep up its words.

Madurai_Fanatic

December 24th, 2006, 01:14 AM

The below picture shows that there is only scope for runway length of 10,000 feet. The runway on both the east and west end is surrounded by ring road. Extension of runway to 9000 feet and above also requires eviction of the small village, which shouldn't be a problem when compared to the scale of settlement around Chennai airport.

I think they need to address the problem caused by the ring road before they go ahead with the 4 lanning process. The should re-align the ring road in such a way that future expansion to 12,000 feet is possible.

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/1143/runway1xm8.jpg

P.S : The picture is outdated and currently runway expansion to 7500 feet is on.

To answer you.. NHAI is planning to shift the ring-road from its existing place around the airport during the 4 laning process..
My friend whose parents lives in Transport nagar, just other side of the ring road, near the First Garments, told me that NHAI and AAI have been having dispute over having ringroad around Airport.. AAI felt it would affect future expansion...
My parents went to the Transport nagar.. and friends over there told that they did a survey last week by NHAI.. and they were planning to move the ring road between transport nagar and valayankulam..I am not sure on how exactly it is going to go...but it is almost confirmed that it is being shifted....

Madurai_Fanatic

December 24th, 2006, 01:17 AM

madurai veeran

December 24th, 2006, 03:10 AM

Madurai

December 24th, 2006, 03:28 AM

It seems that Hyundai was setting up some car unit..(may be an accessory or ancillary unit) near valayankulam..
The ppl in Transport nagar told that last week they did some boomi pooja.. i am not sure on how far it is true.. it is true that some one has done boomi pooja.. ppl could have misinterpreted it to be Hyundai... do any of you guys have any reliable resource to confirm this????

Let us hope this news is true.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delivering the keynote address at AutoSCM India 2006 - Indian Automotive Supply Chain Conference & Exposition, being organised by the CII Institute of Logistics (CIL) in Chennai, Das said Tamil Nadu accounts for 21 per cent of passenger cars, 33 per cent of commercial vehicles, 35 per cent of automobile components produced in India. Attracted by growth potential, Hyundai is planning an additional investment between Rs 1,800 crore and Rs 2,300 crore to set up a second car manufacturing plant to scale up its capacity to four lakh passenger cars per annum - from the current 2.5 lakh units - in two years.
He said there is a huge potential to improve the logistics infrastructure of the state for the auto components industry by linking the components manufacturing hubs of Madurai, Hosur and Coimbatore to Chennai. He said the present annual output of the state's automotive sector is estimated to be $ 3-3.5 billion and the share of Tamil Nadu in the Indian automotive industry is estimated to be 25 per cent. In auto components, Tamil Nadu accounts for 30 per cent share in the Indian components production. In passenger cars and two wheelers, the state accounts for 20 per cent each. The state has the highest number of prestigious Deming award winners.

http://www.chennaionline.com/events/Business/2006/12autosector.asp

madurai veeran

December 26th, 2006, 12:36 AM

The below picture shows the work on progress for 4 lanning the road from Madurai district court to Meenakshi Mission Hospital on the Melur road. The workers are involved in extending the bridges and the project is moving on in a rapid pace.

Source : Dinakaran

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/36/2612siva042020clrxw5.jpg

madurai veeran

December 26th, 2006, 12:56 AM

The below picture shows the work on progress for 4 lanning the road from Madurai district court to Meenakshi Mission Hospital on the Melur road. The workers are involved in extending the bridges and the project is moving on in a rapid pace.

Source : Dinakaran

This road has seen a tremendous increase in traffic after the establishment of Maatuthavani bus stand, Integreted Market and the High court. The hospital and the SIDCO industrial estate have also added to the traffic problem. A 4 lane road would really solve this problem.

Nice to see that work has started.

There was a plan to link the rear end of the bus stand directly to the ring road and rear end of the integreted market to the lake road, to reduce traffic on melur road.

Have they established these link roads?.

Madurai

December 26th, 2006, 07:05 AM

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/9080/maduraipitline3zq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

As per the Dinamalar report, Pitline construction is at the finishing stages. It is being built at Rs.2.75 Cr at Madurai Junction as shown in the picture. Another Pitline is being planned at Rs.3 Cr which is pending approval.

Madurai

December 26th, 2006, 07:09 AM

Underpass is being built at Thabovanam near Thoppur for the Samayanallur-Thoppur NH-7 four lane bypass.

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/7295/thoppurunderpassqf8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

--------------------
This is an old picture. I thought to post this as we discussed about the need for flyovers in Bypass, ring road junctions.

Madurai_Fanatic

December 26th, 2006, 07:31 AM

Madurai_Fanatic

December 26th, 2006, 07:35 AM

The below picture shows the work on progress for 4 lanning the road from Madurai district court to Meenakshi Mission Hospital on the Melur road. The workers are involved in extending the bridges and the project is moving on in a rapid pace.

Source : Dinakaran

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/36/2612siva042020clrxw5.jpg

The description below the photo says that it is from "Madurai Court to Ringroad junction"... can any one clarify on which court is being referred to..Madurai High court or the district court??

madurai veeran

December 26th, 2006, 07:42 AM

The description below the photo says that it is from "Madurai Court to Ringroad junction"... can any one clarify on which court is being referred to..Madurai High court or the district court??

It is between the Madurai district court (arch roundabout) and the ring road (Meenakshi Mission Hospital). You can see the Integreted Market at the distance. This bridge work must be just opposite to the bus stand.

Madurai_Fanatic

December 26th, 2006, 08:04 AM

It is between the Madurai district court (arch roundabout) and the ring road (Meenakshi Mission Hospital). You can see the Integreted Market at the distance. This bridge work must be just opposite to the bus stand.

If that is the case... then it is awesome.. as i ve said earlier.. there should be a grade separated flyover coming up near the ringroad junction...to cater the intersection of 2 4-lane roads!!!1

Madurai

December 26th, 2006, 08:19 AM

What is the diff. between an underpass and a flyover...??? cant they be used interchangebly???

In this case, the underpass will be the bypass road getting in/out of the existing NH7. So, the current NH7 from Kappalur side to Tirunagar side will be as it is right now. The new road will go underneath. If they built the new road over the current NH7, they would have mentioned it as a flyover.

Madurai

December 27th, 2006, 12:10 AM

MaduraiSelvam

December 27th, 2006, 12:55 PM

This road has seen a tremendous increase in traffic after the establishment of Maatuthavani bus stand, Integreted Market and the High court. The hospital and the SIDCO industrial estate have also added to the traffic problem. A 4 lane road would really solve this problem.
Nice to see that work has started.

Yeap true, I have seen four accident in my own eyes here.

madurai veeran

December 27th, 2006, 04:17 PM

Tiruchy-Dindigul double track work in progress

The works of laying double track between Tiruchirappalli and Dindigul are progressing in full swing, Union Minister of State for Railways R Velu said today.

http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7B35BD5323-9A9B-4281-81F6-1ADB3FCA9FCE%7D&CATEGORYNAME=Tamil+Nadu

What about the Dindigul-Madurai doubling work?. Is it progressing well?. When both the stretches are completed, we could see more trains to south TN.

Villupuram to Trichy line electrification has started. Will they take up Trichy-MDU stretch only after finishing that or do they have any plans already?.

The Manamadurai-Rameshwaram track conversion has been completed and train service is expected to resume from next month. This will only add troubles to the already saturated Madurai-Dindigul stretch. If SR was a little clever it would have first taken up the MDU-Dindigul track doubling before the track conversion. Now even though there is a broad gauge to Rameshwaram, it would be difficult to introduce new trains becos of the bottle neck.

Madurai

December 27th, 2006, 07:44 PM

Tiruchy-Dindigul double track work in progress

http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7B35BD5323-9A9B-4281-81F6-1ADB3FCA9FCE%7D&CATEGORYNAME=Tamil+Nadu

What about the Dindigul-Madurai doubling work?. Is it progressing well?. When both the stretches are completed, we could see more trains to south TN.

Villupuram to Trichy line electrification has started. Will they take up Trichy-MDU stretch only after finishing that or do they have any plans already?.

The Manamadurai-Rameshwaram track conversion has been completed and train service is expected to resume from next month. This will only add troubles to the already saturated Madurai-Dindigul stretch. If SR was a little clever it would have first taken up the MDU-Dindigul track doubling before the track conversion. Now even though there is a broad gauge to Rameshwaram, it would be difficult to introduce new trains becos of the bottle neck.

Kindly ignore that report. That's the biggest joke of the year. There is no doubling for Trichy-Dindigul or Dindigul-Palani. That's a horrible report with misleading information. Madurai-Dindigul doubling is neglected as usual. The latest rumour is that Dindigul-KodaiRoad doubling will be the target for the next financial year. IR needs a :bash:

kronik

December 27th, 2006, 09:41 PM

To answer you.. NHAI is planning to shift the ring-road from its existing place around the airport during the 4 laning process..
My friend whose parents lives in Transport nagar, just other side of the ring road, near the First Garments, told me that NHAI and AAI have been having dispute over having ringroad around Airport.. AAI felt it would affect future expansion...
My parents went to the Transport nagar.. and friends over there told that they did a survey last week by NHAI.. and they were planning to move the ring road between transport nagar and valayankulam..I am not sure on how exactly it is going to go...but it is almost confirmed that it is being shifted....

Why would the airport runway need to be expanded to 12,000 ft though?

The 747 requires a runway length of around 10,400 ft I believe, and I dont think anything larger is going to land at the Madurai airport.

Madurai

December 27th, 2006, 10:39 PM

madurai veeran

December 27th, 2006, 10:51 PM

Why would the airport runway need to be expanded to 12,000 ft though?

The 747 requires a runway length of around 10,400 ft I believe, and I dont think anything larger is going to land at the Madurai airport.

We were talking about the runway expansion on the context of the ring road surrounding it on the east and the west end.

The 4 lanning of the ring road is to be taken up soon and this when completed would render expansion of the runway to 10,000 feet and above impossible.

I agree with you, under present circumstances a 9000 ft runway would be more than sufficient but it is always good to plan taking future into consideration. Im always optimistic about the future of Madurai :) .

I just measured the chennai airport runway in google, it measures to 12,000 ft.

Madurai

December 27th, 2006, 11:37 PM

http://www.dinamalar.com/2006dec28/district/madurai.asp#5

As per the Dinmalar report, there seems to be some technical issue in aligning the Railway portion of the bridge and the Highway portion. Temporarily work is stopped on the Railway front. So, March deadline may not be possible. What a shame!!! What kind of reasons are they going to give further on this project and other ROB projects in Madurai? :bash:

madurai veeran

December 27th, 2006, 11:48 PM

Ellis Nagar ROB runs into another problem. The highways dept part of the bridge work has been finished and the railways work on the bridge over the railway line is progressing. It has been found that the two section of the bridge would not fix together properly.

Im not really sure how such kind of mistakes can happen in the first place. The government has to sue those contractors. From the news its clear that the 20 crore ROB will be wider bridge with a width of 31 meters. I hope they finish this project in the stipulated time.

The highways dept suggest that it is only a minor problem and can be easily solved and work will be completed by march. Im not sure how much this is true?. Below you can find the tamil news.

http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/62/28122006006007nf0.jpg

The work on progress over the railway line.

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/4717/28122006006006001el5.jpg

Madurai

December 28th, 2006, 12:58 AM

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=81575&code=18941

Yet another report about demands from TN Chamber of Commerce and MADITSSIA for extending the runway to 12000 ft from the current 6000ft(!!!). This report says that the extension to 7500 ft will be over by March or April. The extension to 12000 ft is being demanded for Jumbo Cargo flights. There are also demands for international flights to Dubai, Srilanka, Singapore and other countries.

Madurai

December 28th, 2006, 01:01 AM

So, right from CII to TN Chamber of Commerce to MADITTSIA to general public and even the local politicians have demanded for the upgradation of the airport to international one. Atleast, the Central Government can give a Customs Airport status and permit internation flights to/from Madurai. What in the world is stopping them from doing so? The irony is that they are happy to upgrade airports across the country for international connections.

Madurai

December 28th, 2006, 01:02 AM

madurai veeran

December 28th, 2006, 01:03 AM

There is an update on the airport runway expansion works in Dinakaran. It says that the runway expansion to 7500 feet will be completed in March or April. It says that lands in Parambupatti and other villages were acquired during this expansion process. According to TN Chamber of commerce president, land for expansion to 9000 feet has already been acquired.

Will AAI on its part take up further expansion immediately after this work?. AAI deserves a :bash: for the way they go about with the works in Madurai.

MADURAI AIRPORT

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/8729/2812bala032020clrbc6.jpg

The airport terminal building looks modest and i believe that the airport deserves a more modern, spacious and well equiped building. The airport has recorded nearly 34% increase in passenger traffic every year over the past few years and has seen nearly double the no.of aircraft movement over the previous year.

kronik

December 28th, 2006, 05:09 AM

I agree on the fact though that the ring road is too close to the airport boundary. Yeah, 10,000 ft is the right length to aim for.

In case they can't acquire the land to re-align the highway (as is the case with most new projects in India we hear about today), I think the ring road should go under the runway, as we see in those slick foreign airports!

As for AAI, it was a sad day in the history of India when they came into being. Either that or they lost their way somewhere. Either way, I dont think they seem competent enough to handle any modern airport at all.

Madurai

December 28th, 2006, 08:42 AM

You are right Madurai Veeran. The terminal building, if you don't consider the tower on the top, looks more like a government office or some office building rather than an airport entrance. Despite high profile people visiting the airport frequently and more and more people are traveling every year, it is continuing to get neglected.

Kronik, I doubt if AAI will ever go for Runway over Highways for a city like Madurai. It is highly unlikely. Instead of that AAI can acquire the land and extend the runway without any trouble.

wcgokul

December 28th, 2006, 11:18 AM

As for AAI, it was a sad day in the history of India when they came into being. Either that or they lost their way somewhere. Either way, I dont think they seem competent enough to handle any modern airport at all.
:applause:

i totally agree with u .....one of my uncles is a gm there and he agrees that AAI is one big bureaucratic liability rife with corruption and internal politics!!!

MaduraiSelvam

December 28th, 2006, 11:23 PM

Encroachers drive pedestrians to roads

They come back after every eviction effort

T. Saravanan

MADURAI: Encroaching upon the space meant for pedestrians and vehicle parking by vendors and shopkeepers is not uncommon in the temple city. With most of the pedestrian platforms occupied by traders, people are often forced to walk on busy roads making themselves vulnerable to accidents. The situation worsens during festival occasions when seasonal businessmen make an entry. The problem is acute in the southern parts of the city, particularly the Chithrai, Avani Moola, Masi and Veli Streets surrounding the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple.
Since small vendors tend to occupy available space on pedestrian platforms, many shopkeepers leave no space for them by stocking their articles in front of the shops. Even the space for parking vehicles is not spared, if the fruit vendors on the East Masi Street are any indications. A large number of vegetable vendors sit on either side of the busy South Marret Street exposing themselves and their customers to risk. A couple of fatal accidents were reported on this stretch. "While the width of the roads narrows down owing to encroachments, the number of automobiles increases steadily. So many people are killed in road accidents and sometimes encroachments are suspected for such incidents," says an official of a bank located on the South Marret Street. Even as courts have ruled terming encroachments as "illegal," traders stage a comeback after every eviction drive.
In a recent order, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed eviction of encroachments on roadsides and even asked officials in the south to file periodical status reports. When the civic authorities tried to remove vendors in the Central Vegetable Market last week, they came to the roads and blocked traffic for more than an hour during rush hours. They dispersed only after the intervention of the Deputy Mayor, P.M. Mannan. The vendors continue to sell vegetables on the roadsides.
According to the Commissioner of Police, M. Chidambarasamy, the city police were planning to conduct an intensive drive to evict encroachments causing hindrance to road traffic. "We intend to take stringent action against shopkeepers using pedestrian platforms to stock their goods. Efforts are on to remove roadside fruit/ vegetable vendors," he added. A joint operation against encroachments by the City Police, Madurai Corporation and district administration, as done successfully during 2001, would yield the desired results, felt a cross section of road users.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/29/stories/2006122918930300.htm

madurai veeran

December 30th, 2006, 02:38 PM

Ministry of Commerce & Industry announces Madurai as a “town of export excellence” for handlooms

Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State of Commerce visited the Common Facility Centre set up by the Export Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) with assistance from the Union Ministry of Commerce in Jodhpur. He emphasized the importance of the Common Facility Centre to provide design assistance to small and medium entrepreneurs. He promised all support to the EPCH to further develop wooden, wrought iron and sea-shell handicrafts from Jodhpur.

The Minister announced that Jodhpur has been declared, along with eleven other places in the country, as a “town of export excellence” for handicrafts which entitles entrepreneurs in the city to special facilities for infrastructure and export marketing. Other such towns include Ludhiana (woolen knitwear), Panipat (woolen blanket), Dewas (pharmaceuticals), Kollam (cashew), Alapuzzha (coir), Madurai (handlooms) and Tiruppur (hosiery).

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=23706

madurai veeran

December 30th, 2006, 09:36 PM

The description below the photo says that it is from "Madurai Court to Ringroad junction"... can any one clarify on which court is being referred to..Madurai High court or the district court??

If that is the case... then it is awesome.. as i ve said earlier.. there should be a grade separated flyover coming up near the ringroad junction...to cater the intersection of 2 4-lane roads!!!1

The work is indeed between District court and Meenakshi Mission Hospital on the Melur road. The following news clears the doubt. Good to see that the 4 lanning work on the MDU-Melur stretch has started from Madurai. To your second doubt lets wait and see if they indeed build one or not.

MADURAI: Indifferent attitude of those involved in road-widening work has put officials and landline subscribers of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited around the Mattuthavani integrated bus stand to unnecessary discomfort.

Officials of Highways Department followed the procedure of informing the BSNL about the widening work on the Madurai-Melur highway. They sent the communication two months back. However, the actual digging work began only last week. Initially, 13 culverts between K.K. Nagar and Ring Road are being widened.

http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/30/stories/2006123020810300.htm

Madurai

December 31st, 2006, 02:42 AM

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=31_12_2006_113_018&type=1&mode=1

As per the above report, a police outpost will come up soon after the Airport expansion work gets over. Place is identified opposite to the Terminal entrance.

Madurai

December 31st, 2006, 02:45 AM

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=31_12_2006_113_017&type=1&mode=1

As per this report Madurai city has over 3.6 lakh vehicles.
--------------------------------------------------------

It is time the Highways department speed up the four laning work and the flyovers, ROB projects and complete it in time.

madurai veeran

December 31st, 2006, 09:41 AM

As per this report Madurai city has over 3.6 lakh vehicles.

--------------------------------------------------------

It is time the Highways department speed up the four laning work and the flyovers, ROB projects and complete it in time.

The 3.64 lakh motor vehicles in 2006 is a 15% increase compared to last year.

If this trend continues we could see twice the no.of vehicles in 6 yrs time. The situation looks alarming and the city administration should take adequate steps like widening roads, constructing flyovers, subways etc.

madhanmt

December 31st, 2006, 07:32 PM

In this case, the underpass will be the bypass road getting in/out of the existing NH7. So, the current NH7 from Kappalur side to Tirunagar side will be as it is right now. The new road will go underneath. If they built the new road over the current NH7, they would have mentioned it as a flyover.

Do you know the specifics on how exactly will this 2nd phase ring road cross Tirunagar? will it go just below exisitng NH7? Where exactly will it branch off of NH7?

I am excited to read about developments in Madurai and especially airport and ring road.

madurai veeran

January 1st, 2007, 02:10 AM

Do you know the specifics on how exactly will this 2nd phase ring road cross Tirunagar? will it go just below exisitng NH7? Where exactly will it branch off of NH7?

I am excited to read about developments in Madurai and especially airport and ring road.

Hi madhan, welcome to SSC forum.

The 2nd phase ring road would be between samayanallur and kappalur. The ring road would have an underpass at the place of intersection with the NH7 near kappalur. You could find more info regarding this from the discussions we had previously in this thread. The project is slated to be completed this year.

Looking forward to your valuable contribution :) .

Madurai

January 1st, 2007, 08:48 AM

Madurai

January 1st, 2007, 09:09 AM

madurai veeran

January 1st, 2007, 11:53 AM

http://www.dinamani.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=DND20061231223315&Title=Districts+Page&lTitle=U%F4YhPeLs&Topic=0

As per the above report, 3 islands will be created in Vandiyur lake at a cost of Rs.44 Crores.

That report also has details about other work that is being planned to be undertaken at Madurai.

The following was announced by the mayor :

Vandiyur lake to be made a tourist spot with an investment of Rs.44 crore under JNNURM. The lake would be deepened and those sand would be used to develop 3 man made islands. These islands will have boat house, restraunts and other facilities.

The second phase of the vagai drinking water scheme recently sanctioned under JNNURM to be taken up at a cost of 67 crore Rs.

Projects worth 220 crore Rs. for road works and solid waste management has already been submitted for approval under JNNURM.

Rs. 26 crore slum clearance and development proposal has been sent for approval under JNNURM. Work on moving central market to mattuthavani would be taken up soon.

slakhs

January 1st, 2007, 10:45 PM

A good analysis of Madurai urban and IT scene (potential), focussed mostly on RR township project

Urban shift - Madurai shows the way (http://propertybytes.com/?p=603)

madurai veeran

January 2nd, 2007, 12:16 AM

Construction work on the ROB over the railway line progressing. Workers are involved in building the side walls. Will they finish by the end of jan?.

Source : Dinamalar

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/7928/02012007104008001ix8.jpg

madurai veeran

January 2nd, 2007, 10:45 PM

MADURAI: A survey was being carried out in Madurai by a private consultancy firm for identifying land for construction of four flyovers, P.A. Mannan, Deputy Mayor, said here on Tuesday.

He said that funds for this project would come from the Rs. 1,457 crore sanctioned under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/03/stories/2007010322110300.htm

Madurai

January 2nd, 2007, 11:14 PM

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/03/stories/2007010322110300.htm

Why haven't they announced the places? Or, have they? I guess, Vilakkuthoon, Goripalayam, Periyar Bus stand areas will have these flyovers as per some news in Tamil Dailies sometime back.

Nice to see Koodal Nagar ROB getting good progress.

MaduraiSelvam

January 2nd, 2007, 11:23 PM

Why haven't they announced the places? Or, have they? I guess, Vilakkuthoon, Goripalayam, Periyar Bus stand areas will have these flyovers as per some news in Tamil Dailies sometime back.

Nice to see Koodal Nagar ROB getting good progress.

There are so many good things waiting to come after this ROB.

Koodal nagar will get drinking water connections from Arasaradi directly. Underground drainage system might be included in the Koodal nagar area too. The bus connections to Koodal nagar will be encompassed to Mattuthavani directly, etc.

The area will have completely different look after this...

madurai veeran

January 2nd, 2007, 11:23 PM

Why haven't they announced the places? Or, have they? I guess, Vilakkuthoon, Goripalayam, Periyar Bus stand areas will have these flyovers as per some news in Tamil Dailies sometime back.

Nice to see Koodal Nagar ROB getting good progress.

The answer to your question is in the following post i had made before.

Madurai corporation to forward 4 flyovers and 14 subways projects under JNNURM

To benifit from JNNURM, corporation had appointed a techinical agency to prepare a survey and plan report to decongest Madurai. The agency has identified places after studying the traffic pattern in the city. The info is as follows,

Flyovers :

1. Vilakuthoon Kamarajar road section
2. Yanaikal
3. Near Periyar bus stand on Haiyathkan road
4. Aavin four road junction.

Preliminary survey on the number of vehicles plying over these stretches have already started. The agency will submit the project report on January 15th. Then the corporation will get the state government permission and send the proposal to centre to get them done under JNNURM.

Source : Dinamalar

madurai veeran

January 3rd, 2007, 12:29 AM

4 laning of Arasaradi - Kalavasal road moving at snails pace

The road expansion on the 2 km stretch from west entrace of the railway station to Kalavasal is moving at snails pace. The project was started in feb 06 and was supposed to be finished by sept 06. The projects involves expansion of the road width from 25 feet to 40 feet(12.2 meter). The median would have a width of 3 feet where sodium vapour lamp post would be placed.

The project has been delayed bcos of the power line posts and transformers on the road sides. The electricity dept has asked for 40 lakhs to shift those posts and transformers.

Source : Dinamalar

Madurai_Fanatic

January 3rd, 2007, 12:52 AM

Madurai Collector, Mr.T.Udhayachandran, has announced that Madurai will soon lead in the Industrial development. He has also said that, 4 leading IT companies have shown interest in opening their Branch in the proposed Tidel park and IT park...

http://www.dinamani.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=DND20061230215542&Title=Districts+Page&lTitle=U%F4YhPeLs&Topic=0

Source - Dinamani, Jan 1 issue..

Madurai_Fanatic

January 3rd, 2007, 12:56 AM

According to this Article in the Business line, DCIL has expanded their operations to Madurai. I know that there is already an authorized service station. Have they opened a new dealership showroom??.. Can Anyone who is currently in Madurai confirm this???

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/01/03/stories/2007010302170200.htm

madurai veeran

January 3rd, 2007, 01:49 AM

As part of the 4 laning work between K.K Nagar and Meenakshi Mission Hospital, work on expanding culvert in front of Mattuthavani bus stand being carried out.

Source : Dinamalar

http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/9089/03012007101008001zg9.jpg

madurai veeran

January 3rd, 2007, 02:10 AM

Light and sound show at Tirumalai Nayakar Palace to be digitised at an investment of Rs. 1 Crore

The below picture shows the progress of the work which started from Jan 1st. Hi tech equipments for the digital show has been brought from Australia and England. The cables would be layed and flooring work would be done with granite stone. The shows would be cancelled for the next 2 months within which this work would be completed.

Source : Dinakaran

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/8140/0301bala032020clrdg4.jpg

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3008/0301bala022020clrfb6.jpg

Madurai

January 3rd, 2007, 02:24 AM

Thanks Madurai Veeran for the Flyovers info.

The widening of road between Maattuthavani and MMHRC should have been done years ago. It is good that they are doing it atleast now.

MaduraiSelvam

January 4th, 2007, 11:49 PM

Housing Board plans to construct 1.88 lakh houses

Minister gives details of various projects to be taken up

MADURAI: As many as 1.88 lakh houses would be constructed in Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore between 2007 and 2013 by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, Suba Thangavelan, Housing Minister, said here.

Giving a break-up, Mr. Thangavelan said that 1,11,111 houses would come up in Chennai, 64,300 in Madurai and 13,300 in Coimbatore.....................

Around 66,000 of 89,300 residents of housing board colonies, including those at Ellis Nagar here who were yet to receive their housing documents, would get their title deeds soon, he said. "As a gesture of goodwill to the residents, we have been conducting the board meetings with copies of judgements obtained from the web site as the originals are yet to be received. We do not want the process to be delayed on any account," Mr.Thangevalan said.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/05/stories/2007010522690300.htm

Hope they wont show these already existing older houses in the new scheme.

madurai veeran

January 6th, 2007, 01:52 AM

Madurai, Jan 5: Ophthalmologists in collaboration with scientists and experts should focus on development of low-cost devices to provide eye care and treatment, President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, said here today.

Laying the foundation stone for the Dr G Venkataswamy Eye Research Institute by the Aravind Medical Research Foundation, he said the scientists should also take up research on genetic eye disorders.

The chairman of the AECS, Dr P Namperumal Swamy, who read out the project report, said the Rs 25 crore state-of-the-art research institute would focus on proteomics in eye diseases, stem cell research in anterior and posterior segment diseases and functional genomics in diabetic retinopathy.

It would work with the leading research institutions in the country and abroad.

http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7B254F9360-26C4-4F76-9149-59E34861BCDB%7D&CATEGORYNAME=TAMNA

madurai veeran

January 7th, 2007, 09:08 PM

Traffic management set to go hi-tech in Madurai

Police have decided to employ `WiMAX' broadband wireless technology

MADURAI : Traffic management, which has been a major challenge in Madurai over the years, is set to go hi-tech with the city police planning to employ `WiMAX' broadband wireless technology access for live monitoring and regulation of vehicular movement.

As the number of automobiles is steadily increasing each year with a corresponding rise in accidents, the Commissioner of Police, M. Chidambarasamy, has hit upon the idea of installing speed-dome cameras at important junctions, bus stands and vital installations. A wireless network using `WiMax' technology is being planned to transmit these visuals live on big screens at the Commissionerate and Police Control Room.

"In the first phase, we have plans to install cameras at five junctions enabling live transmission of traffic. A dedicated team would monitor the vehicular flow round-the-clock. In case of traffic congestion, remedial measures can be taken immediately. Since recording is possible for at least a week, the system will also help in crime detection as well. Vehicles involved in `hit-and-run' cases can be easily identified," an Assistant Commissioner of Police said.

A team of Information Technology experts was asked to conduct a study and submit feasibility report by January 15. "Since cameras will also be installed in bus stands, commercial streets and Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, there will be a check on offences such as chain-snatching, pick pocketing and two-wheeler thefts. We are trying to bring this project under the Modernisation of Police Force scheme."

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/08/stories/2007010814910100.htm

madurai veeran

January 7th, 2007, 10:53 PM

Bright future for Madurai

The Collector, T. Udhayachandran, said that a private TIDEL park spread across 35,000 sq.ft. would be hopefully inaugurated by the middle of the year. This park would be followed by another park to be established by the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT). Similarly works on establishing a 1000-acre industrial park by SIPCOT have entered a crucial stage.

Plans are afoot to acquire 441 acres of land for expanding the airport here. The length of the runway would be increased to accommodate bigger airplanes and there was a likelihood of establishing an international airport.

A cargo plane service between Madurai and Mumbai to export the jasmine flowers cultivated here would begin soon, he said.

Besides IT, the Collector saw a huge potential in the textile sector. He said more and more spinning mills were eyeing towards the Southern States due to the availability of skilled labour.

The Madurai Divisional Railway Manager, Hemant Kumar, said that the railway station here would be given a facelift. The eastern entrance would be improved at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crore and the passengers could be assured of a better concourse, lighting and parking facilities. A distinct improvement was on the cards for the western entry.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/08/stories/2007010821060300.htm

madurai veeran

January 8th, 2007, 01:03 AM

The below picture shows the 4 laning work being carried out near Tirunagar in Madurai.

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/9715/08012007104003001yr2.jpg

The article says that the work between Virudhunagar and Samayanallur is progressing at a brisk pace. On the stretch between Virudhunagar and Tirumangalam Maravankulam tank, blacktopping work is being carried out. The stretch between Maravankulam tank and Thoppur has now been taken up for road expansion.

Source : Dinamalar

Madurai

January 8th, 2007, 07:47 AM

Related links for the previous news about four laning near Tirunagar.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=08_01_2007_104_008&type=1&mode=1

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=08_01_2007_104_003_001&type=2&mode=1

Nice to see some progress on the four laning.

Madurai

January 8th, 2007, 07:52 AM

A clock to be installed at MDU Jn which could be seen from anywhere in Madurai.

"Repeating Display" facility to be provided in 42 stations in the division.

http://www.dinamani.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=DND20070106222829&Title=Districts+Page&lTitle=U%F4YhPeLs&Topic=0&dName=U%D5%FBW&Dist=4

Madurai

January 8th, 2007, 07:57 AM

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=08_01_2007_101_005_001&type=2&mode=1

Picture showing the construction work of Koodal Nagar ROB.

Madurai

January 8th, 2007, 11:01 PM

Central scheme, `panacea' for civic woes

S. Sundar

MADURAI : Corporation officials see the Union Government's Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission as a panacea for all the infrastructure woes of the city. For, it brings an investment opportunity of Rs.2,360.94 crore to upgrade facilities in the next five years.

"The city has not seen so much of funds for infrastructure development in independent India," said the Corporation Superintending Engineer, K. Sakthivel.

The mission's salient feature is that it proposes to provide an integrated infrastructure development to nine adjacent towns, coming under Madurai Local Planning Area, at a cost of Rs.2,167.50 crore.

"Better roads, water supply and underground drainage in the nearby towns will attract people, thus decongesting the city," Mr. Sakthivel said. All these towns will be inter-connected with an outer ring road.

The Ministry of Urban Development will contribute 50 per cent of the project cost and the State Government 20 per cent. The remaining 30 per cent will be borne by the respective local bodies.

The funds will be spent on water supply facility, underground drainage, road, traffic and transportation improvement, storm water drains, streetlights, solid waste management and upgrading of slums.

The municipalities of Avaniapuram, Anaiyur, Tirupparankundram, and Tirumangalam and town panchayats of Sholavandan, Paravai, Tirunagar, Vilangudi and Harveypatti will benefit.

The city has got the first benefit of the scheme by way of getting sanction for the second drinking water pipeline project (from the Vaigai dam) to be implemented at a cost of Rs.67 crore. A rapid transport system, at a cost Rs.981 crore, including an elevated highway for 3.5 km., flyovers, bridges, pedestrian subways and widening of 200 km of bus route, will ensure free flow of traffic.
Elected representatives can send their proposals to be included under the scheme within a week.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/09/stories/2007010913060100.htm

Madurai

January 8th, 2007, 11:02 PM

Staff Reporter

"A study for developing roads and other tourist spots near the temple is under way"

MADURAI: The Corporation has chalked out a plan to upgrade the areas around the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple at a cost of Rs.20 crore.

The Corporation Superintending Engineer, K. Sakthivel, said this at an interactive session to discuss the development works to be taken up in the city and nine adjacent local bodies under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission here on Monday.

He was replying to a question from industrialist Karumuttu T. Kannan.

A study for developing roads and other tourist spots near the temple was under way, the Engineer said.

The Madurai MP, P. Mohan, wanted to have a modern Town Hall in the city.

......................
http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/09/stories/2007010918230200.htm

madurai veeran

January 8th, 2007, 11:16 PM

MADURAI : Corporation officials see the Union Government's Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission as a panacea for all the infrastructure woes of the city. For, it brings an investment opportunity of Rs.2,360.94 crore to upgrade facilities in the next five years.

The mission's salient feature is that it proposes to provide an integrated infrastructure development to nine adjacent towns, coming under Madurai Local Planning Area, at a cost of Rs.2,167.50 crore.

Those two amounts look confusing to me. Does that mean Rs. 2361 crore worth projects would be carried out in Madurai city and Rs. 2167 crore worth projects would be implemented in the 4 municipalities and 5 town panchayats surrounding Madurai ?.

Madurai

January 8th, 2007, 11:25 PM

Those two amounts look confusing to me. Does that mean Rs. 2361 crore worth projects would be carried out in Madurai city and Rs. 2167 crore worth projects would be implemented in the 4 municipalities and 5 town panchayats surrounding Madurai ?.

No. I think the second amount is for a subset of projects under the overall list of projects costing Rs.2361 crores. May be some of the projects don't fall under Madurai LPA and hence the difference in amount.

madurai veeran

January 8th, 2007, 11:35 PM

Madurai

January 9th, 2007, 12:00 AM

Thanx Madurai for the clarification.

The corporation has a good chance of redrawing its boundaries once these projects in towns and panchayats surrounding madurai gets implemented.

I feel some or all of the following towns and panchayats (Avaniapuram, Anaiyur, Tirupparankundram, and Tirumangalam and town panchayats of Sholavandan, Paravai, Tirunagar, Vilangudi and Harveypatti) have already become the suburbs of Madurai.

Once these places are provided adequate infrastructure then you could see more people moving to the suburbs there by decongesting the city.

I am not sure about Sholavandan in that list. But, I heard that people prefer to live there as it is relatively cooler and has a greener environment. I don't know about Vilangudi and Paravai's status currently. All other places are well established for quite some time. NHAI's bypass and the four laned ring road(proposed and being planned) will give better connectivity and spur the growth of the suburbs thereby decongesting the Temple area. This will in turn provide good ambience near the Meenakshi Amman temple for the tourists.

madurai veeran

January 9th, 2007, 01:26 AM

No. I think the second amount is for a subset of projects under the overall list of projects costing Rs.2361 crores. May be some of the projects don't fall under Madurai LPA and hence the difference in amount.

Dinakaran news source says that a total of Rs.4528 crore worth projects is to be carried out in Madurai and its surrounding towns and panchayats. It goes on to say that 2361 crores would be spent within corporation limits and the rest 2167 crores would be spent in the 4 towns and 5 panchayats as said earlier.

This information was given during the meeting organised by the collector to discuss on JNNURM. The meeting was attended by Mayor, MP's, MLA's and other officials.

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=86033&code=18549

Madurai

January 9th, 2007, 02:02 AM

Dinakaran news source says that a total of Rs.4528 crore worth projects is to be carried out in Madurai and its surrounding towns and panchayats. It goes on to say that 2361 crores would be spent within corporation limits and the rest 2167 crores would be spent in the 4 towns and 5 panchayats as said earlier.

This information was given during the meeting organised by the collector to discuss on JNNURM. The meeting was attended by Mayor, MP's, MLA's and other officials.

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=86033&code=18549

Vow. That's a new one. Hope this news is true and not just a reporting error. If you look at the cost of a ROB at Tirumangalam for Rs.170 crores, it gives a concern about the validity of this report.

Madurai

January 9th, 2007, 04:10 AM

This Dinamalar report mentions about Rs.1478 crores for the same.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=09_01_2007_013_001&type=1&mode=1

Madurai_Fanatic

January 9th, 2007, 05:30 AM

Vow. That's a new one. Hope this news is true and not just a reporting error. If you look at the cost of a ROB at Tirumangalam for Rs.170 crores, it gives a concern about the validity of this report.

It could be Rs.17 crores.. the amount should be the sum of amount for Madurai alone and the surrounding 9 towns..
check the diagram of the flyover to come up near periyar busstand..
http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=86033&code=18727
I am confused on this.. as it has only 3 arms.. and that too all arms have traffic flowing in both the directions...but there are 2 stretches out of 4 converging in kattabomman statue are one-ways.. so how this could be possible..??
if this is going to be integrated with the Ellis nagar bridge..it would be a massive structure!!!!!

madurai veeran

January 9th, 2007, 02:43 PM

Community Consulting India Private Limited (Chennai) a subsidiary of TCG International LLC (Washington) is the private consultancy which has been entrusted with the work of preparing feasibility reports, project reports and estimates for JNNURM.

Any idea about this consultancy?. Have they taken up any massive projects like this before?.

From the news reports i feel satisfied with their work, as they have submitted the feasibility reports, project reports and estimates on time. Now its in the hands of corporation officials to get it approved soon and start the works.

madurai veeran

January 9th, 2007, 03:05 PM

I have a doubt. Since Madurai belongs to the B category in JNNURM, 30% of the project cost has to be borne by the corporation. If you consider the 2361 crore Rs. projects to be undertaken within corporation limits, then 30% of it is around 700 crore Rs. How will the corporation be able to invest so much money in 5 yrs, considering the fact that its under severe financial crunch now.

Who will bear the 2167 crores to be spent in the towns surrounding Madurai?.

madurai veeran

January 9th, 2007, 11:36 PM

An update on the 4 laning between MMHRC and district court.

The 2.5 Km stretch will be ready by the end of August. The project is being carried out at a cost of 2.5 crore Rs. The road once finished will have a width of 18.5 meters and a median of 1.5 meters. At present work on the expansion of 2 bridges and 10 culverts on the stretch is being carried out.

Source : Dinamani

Madurai_Fanatic

January 10th, 2007, 12:01 AM

madurai veeran

January 10th, 2007, 12:10 AM

I wouldnt say it as a major bridge but one is located between bus stand and the MMHRC. It is for the water from the other side of the road to cross over and reach the Vandiyur lake. Its a very narrow bridge and worse was the fact that 2 buses cannot pass through it at the same time.

Im not sure but i think the second bridge is close to the MMHRC.

There are lots of culverts on the stretch due to the fact that there are 3 tanks (Kanmai) namely vandiyur, court, mattuthavani tanks. Madurai was once surrounded by lots of tanks but they have slowly been taken up due to urbanisation in the recent past.

madurai veeran

January 10th, 2007, 02:08 AM

Update on the 3rd phase of the ORR

Work on the third phase of the ORR likely to start before the year end. Of the 981 crore Rs. allocated for road development works under JNNURM, 100 crore Rs. would be used for this purpose. The private agency is currently doing survey and will submit the report in 3 months time after which land acquisition process would start. The initial report containing the plan of the proposed road has already been sent to NHAI, New Delhi.

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=86255&code=18631

Madurai

January 11th, 2007, 09:48 AM

http://www.dinamani.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=DND20070110235648&Title=Districts+Page&lTitle=U%F4YhPeLs&Topic=0&dName=U%D5%FBW&Dist=4

Survey to be completed by March 31st for Samayanallur-Uthangudi Ring Road.

Madurai

January 11th, 2007, 09:49 AM

http://www.dinamani.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=DND20070110235600&Title=Districts+Page&lTitle=U%F4YhPeLs&Topic=0&dName=U%D5%FBW&Dist=4

Pit Line is being constructed at Rs.4 Cr at Madurai junction that could handle 24 coach trains. Another similar Pit line is also being planned in the near future.

madurai veeran

January 11th, 2007, 02:10 PM

Madurai, Jan 11: Officials of seven major companies involved in civil works have expressed shock over the manner in which the tender for the Rs 47 crore second Vaigai drinking water supply project was finalised by the Corporation officials yesterday.

According to an official of the Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board, the contract should have been given to a company with experience. The norm was that the company should have earlier executed a work, which was 50 per cent of the project cost.

But the contract was given to two Erode-based construction companies, which did not have the requisite experience, said officials of the companies.

Alleging that some of their managers were locked up in a room to prevent them from participating in the tender, they said they would not be able to execute any work in Tamil Nadu if this trend continued.

One of the managers was even beaten up when he insisted on participating in the tender opening, they alleged.

The fate of postal tenders is also not known. The first phase was implemented by Indian Hume Pipes, which also assured guarantee for the pipeline, and also helped TWAD Board in maintenance.

Meanwhile, a top police official visited the corporation on hearing about the alleged beating up of the official and said no written complaint was received. Some unidentified men had hit the man warning him against insisting on filing the tender.

Corporation officials agreed that the contract had been given to an Erode-based company, but refused to comment on whether the company was qualified to undertake the work and why it was chosen. "It is done on the orders of higher officials," they said.

The project, expected to bring 500 mcft of water daily from Vaigai, includes laying of pipelines at a cost of Rs 47 crore, revamping of the treatment plant (Rs 5 crore) and distribution system in the city (Rs 13 crore).

"Make hay while the sun shines". The corporation officials seem to be aware of the proverb. They are using the every possible way to make money. The above incident involved beating up and locking up of Managers and preventing them from participating in the tender process. The tender was finally awarded to a under qualified company.

The next 5 year term during which JNNURM is to be implemented would be the golden period for corporation officials in Chennai, MDU and CBE to make money :bash: .

DMK was not willing to part with CBE corporation just for this very reason. But then behind closed doors meeting made them to part with it. BTW its fair that they allowed congress also to share the pie :bash: .

Brand coimbatore

January 11th, 2007, 03:43 PM

Madurai_Fanatic

January 11th, 2007, 06:08 PM

Its a shame........, Im really worried abt dis scam.Starting itself dis much problems.,If dis method has been followed then im afraid evn big projects like express highways ,large flyovers under JNNURM would fall to local,under experienced contractors?
Such projects should be given to big firms like L&T,DLF etc.,so dat d project would be implemented in a best way.

Very True..... what is the quality of service could expect from these contractors.. they would do some crappy work.. and then the government would redo the entire project which would cost even more.. and even then they would do to make some money.. this is like laying of roads within the city... they never ever do it right just in order to redo the process again and again and get money every time.. it is like Kamadhenu for them.. you cant expect india to have a fantastic infrastructure with these polititians...

Madurai

January 11th, 2007, 08:58 PM

S. Vijay Kumar

Plan to link four prominent destinations in the southern districts

MADURAI: The groundwork for launching helicopter services linking Madurai with tourist destinations in the southern districts has begun.

A high-level team from Pawan Hans Helicopters met the Collector, T. Udhayachandran, and Airport Authority of India officials here on Wednesday to study the feasibility of operating regular helicopter services to nearby tourist spots, including Kodaikanal, Thekkadi and Rameswaram. Efforts are on to introduce the first service on April 14, the Tamil New Year's Day.
The Madurai MP, P. Mohan, who mooted helicopter tourism for Madurai in Parliament during the monsoon session, said the Civil Aviation Minister, Praful Patel, had assured all support from the Centre. "Madurai has enormous tourism potential. We are also involving the State Tourism Department in this venture. Since the number of tourists, including foreigners, visiting the south is steadily on the rise, this project will enjoy a good patronage," he told The Hindu.

According to M. Suresh, Airport Controller, the basic infrastructure for accommodating helicopters was available at the Madurai airport. Since helicopters flew at a lower altitude, flight movements would not be affected. "We only need to co-ordinate during landing/take-off of helicopters. Helipad facility is available in some places. Even a hard grass surface is enough for landing," he added.

The proposal is to connect Kodaikanal, Palani, Rameswram, Thekkadi and Kanyakumari with 12-seater helicopters. The need to link Karaikudi to promote heritage tourism is also under consideration. All these destinations can be reached in less than thirty minutes from Madurai.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/12/stories/2007011211480100.htm

MaduraiSelvam

January 11th, 2007, 11:22 PM

Rs.2-crore renovation work at Kallalagar Temple to begin soon

Many donors come forward to sponsor repair works, says official Efforts under way to renovate golden `vimanam' of Tallakulam temple at Rs. 2 crore

MADURAI: Renovation work, culminating in `mahasamprokshanam,' is to begin at Kallalagar Temple at Alagarkovil, near here, on January 24. The work is to be taken up at a cost of Rs. 2 crore.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, the Deputy Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, and Executive Officer of the temple, M. Pugazhendran, said that many donors had come forward to sponsor repair and renovation works. Renovation of the Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple at Tallakulam here would also be taken up simultaneously, at a cost of Rs. 50 lakh. Efforts were also on to renovate the golden `vimanam' of the temple at an estimated cost of Rs. 2 crore. An estimate for Rs. 2 crore had been prepared to repair the huge compound wall around the temple. Mr. Pugazhendran said that the Tourism Department had been approached to undertake this task.
Cracks issue
Referring to the cracks that had developed in the ceiling of the temple at a few places, the Executive Officer said that they had been noticed in the supporting beams, in between pillars. An expert committee, comprising engineers, had studied the cracks and it had been decided to replace the beams as the pillars, made of good quality stone, were intact. He said that contributions to the renovation of the temple had been fully exempted from the levy of income tax. The `mahasamprokshanam' would be conducted in about two years. R. Pandian, chairman, board of trustees, said that the trustees would fund those works that did not attract any sponsor. Renovation of the Tallakulam temple, he said, would be taken up fully with donations of devotees.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/12/stories/2007011213740300.htm

madurai veeran

January 12th, 2007, 02:45 AM

MADURAI: The groundwork for launching helicopter services linking Madurai with tourist destinations in the southern districts has begun.

A high-level team from Pawan Hans Helicopters met the Collector, T. Udhayachandran, and Airport Authority of India officials here on Wednesday to study the feasibility of operating regular helicopter services to nearby tourist spots, including Kodaikanal, Thekkadi and Rameswaram. Efforts are on to introduce the first service on April 14, the Tamil New Year's Day.

The proposal is to connect Kodaikanal, Palani, Rameswram, Thekkadi and Kanyakumari with 12-seater helicopters. The need to link Karaikudi to promote heritage tourism is also under consideration. All these destinations can be reached in less than thirty minutes from Madurai.

Great news. The tourism potential of Madurai and the southern districts could be well tapped by this movie. Hope the service starts from the tamil new year.

At a time when Kerala is seeing huge number of foreign tourists, linking Thekkadi and Kanyakumari will surely pull in those tourists to Madurai. It would be lot easier for the foreigners to reach Madurai from Kerala.

If this service gets good patronage they could also link Madurai to Thajavur and other places.

MaduraiSelvam

January 12th, 2007, 03:30 PM

Centre assures support to TN Govt. for copter service

Madurai, Jan. 12 (PTI): The Union Government has assured to give support to the Tamil Nadu Government to start a chopper service by mid-April, linking places of tourist interest and pilgrim centres in and around Madurai, official sources said.
A high-level team from Hans Helicopters, a private service operator, met district tourism, airport and other officials to study the technical and economic feasibility of operating regular services to Kodaikanal, Thekkady, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari, they said. The initial proposal is to operate a 12-seater helicopter.
Union Aviation Minister Praful Patel had also written to Madurai MP P Mohan, extending full support to start the service from Madurai airport, sources said adding the facility for accommodating the helicopter is already available at the airport and flight movements would not be affected as choppers fly at a lower level.

http://www.hindu.com/holnus/004200701121756.htm

Madurai

January 12th, 2007, 11:21 PM

Our Correspondent

Madurai , Jan. 12

The Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Mr Praful Patel, for an early upgradation of Madurai Airport as an international airport in addition to providing certain important aviation facilities.

In a memorandum submitted to the Minister in New Delhi on Thursday, the team of office-bearers of the Chamber led by its President, Mr S. Rethinavelu, and accompanied by Mr N.S.V. Chitthan, Member of Parliament, has pointed out that the absence of international air connectivity has been severely impeding the flow of international tourists to Madurai, despite it being a renowned tourist centre and an emerging healthcare centre with a number of prominent hospitals. It is also retarding the industrial development of the region.
The need is emphasised with the acceleration of a number of recent industrial initiatives such as Nangunery Special Economic Zone, Koodangulam Atomic Power Plant, Sethusamudram Ship Canal project and so on, that carry the potential for increased passenger traffic to and from foreign destinations.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/01/13/stories/2007011305121900.htm

Madurai

January 12th, 2007, 11:27 PM

How many such representations and surveys do they need to give to the Central government of the past and present? I don't know how many more they need to give in future.

Madurai

January 12th, 2007, 11:30 PM

S. Vijay Kumar

"The overall earnings crossed the Rs. 250-crore mark in December 2006"

MADURAI : The Madurai Division of the Southern Railway has performed well on the earnings front in 2006 by recording an impressive growth of 31.2 per cent. If the freight earnings went up by 50 per cent, passenger earnings recorded an increase of 19.4 per cent.

Talking to The Hindu here on Friday, the Additional Divisional Railway Manager, M. Suyambulingam, said the number of passengers increased from 17.9 crore in 2005 (April-December) to 19.1 crore the next year.

"The overall earnings crossed the Rs. 250-crore mark in December. Besides enhanced loading at the Tuticorin port, migration of passengers from road transport to rail traffic, introduction of new trains and operation of festival specials were some of the reasons for the growth. We remain the cheapest mode of transport," he said.

Mr. Suyambulingam said the performance of the division covering 13 districts, including two in Kerala, was good despite closure of some sections for broad gauge conversion. At least 165 km of track was closed to facilitate ongoing projects.

While the Tiruchi-Pudukottai line was opened to traffic recently, the Manamadurai-Mandapam section was targeted for completion in March. The Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur and Tenkasi-Shencottah gauge conversion works were under various stages of completion, he said. The Madurai-Dindigul gauge conversion work was progressing well and announcement on the budget allocation and target for completion was expected soon. The patronage on the Madurai-Tenkasi route was encouraging. The Tenkasi-Chennai Egmore `Pothigai' (tri-weekly) Express was running full and it was likely that it would be made a daily train, railway officials said.
The Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Alexander Gnanaolivu, said the Tirunelveli-Madurai-Chennai Egmore sector was the most profitable route. Inward and outward movement of fertilizer, coal and imported wheat augmented the freight revenue.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/13/stories/2007011315500100.htm

madurai veeran

January 12th, 2007, 11:49 PM

How many such representations and surveys do they need to give to the Central government of the past and present? I don't know how many more they need to give in future.

The development works like the runway expansion, new terminal building and other infrastructures have to be expedited. There seems to be no signs from the centre for establishing customs facility at the airport.

If there is no positive development in these fronts in the next few months we could see new international flights taking off from Trichy at the cost of madurai airport. This would be a serious set back to the people of south TN, who are the ones mainly using the trichy airport and would rather prefer to fly from Madurai if possible.

I hope to hear some announcement once the runway expansion at Madurai airport is completed. A runway capable of handling A 320 flights will be good enough in the early stages to put Madurai in the international aviation map.

Madurai

January 13th, 2007, 12:06 AM

I don't think Madurai needs 12000 ft runway in the near future. But, definitely in the longer run, it will need. It's better to think from a long term perspective for this and any move to accomodate this possibility is welcome. But, steps should be taken to improve the airport and the extension of runway to 9000 ft.

Recently, there were reports about flights getting filled during holidays. Multiple reports mentioned that INDIAN carries 140 passengers. That shows that there is no load penalty on A320 for landing in Madurai airport. Anybody who has traveled to Madurai in INDIAN in the recent past can tell us the actual story.

The development works like the runway expansion, new terminal building and other infrastructures have to be expedited. There seems to be no signs from the centre for establishing customs facility at the airport.

If there is no positive development in these fronts in the next few months we could see new international flights taking off from Trichy at the cost of madurai airport. This would be a serious set back to the people of south TN, who are the ones mainly using the trichy airport.

I hope to hear some announcement once the runway expansion at Madurai airport is completed. A runway capable of handling A 320 flights will be good enough in the early stages to put Madurai in the international aviation map.

The dailies have reported many times that Indian carries about 140 people. This shows that there is no load penalty for A320 in Madurai Airport.

Madurai_Fanatic

January 13th, 2007, 12:34 AM

madurai veeran

January 13th, 2007, 12:47 AM

The dailies have reported many times that Indian carries about 140 people. This shows that there is no load penalty for A320 in Madurai Airport.

If thats the case then establishment of customs facility could set the balls rolling for launch of international flights from here. The center has totally neglected MDU airport. I see now and then news about foundation stone being laid for new airports, terminals and other infrastructure works all around India but nothing happening in MDU.

What happened to the Paramounts proposed MDU-BLR direct flight service. I was expecting them to introduce it this month, in the wake of the new embraer flights received by them.

If A320's could be landed without load penalty then we could soon see Air Deccan's MDU-Mumbai via BLR flight as per their previous announcement.

Any info on the airline companies interested to start service from MDU to international destinations?.

Madurai

January 13th, 2007, 12:51 AM

Yet the Railways would never take up the doubling and electrification of the Chennai - Nagercoil/Tuticorin sector.. I really wonder what is causing them the trouble. I also wonder why they want to do it phase by phase..from chennai - trichy.. trichy-madurai...madurai - tuticorin..
why dont they take up all the phases simultaneously??? Is this section not going to be profitable to them??

Doubling of Chennai-Tuticorin is a huge project estimated to be around Rs.2000 crores. Indian Railways are not doing the approved Madurai-Dindigul doubling itself which has come to the revised estimate of around Rs.110 crores. They need a :bash: . This has been lingering forever. So, we can't expect Indian Railways to do an one shot doubling of Chennai-Tuticorin even though it is justifiable to some extent.

Madurai_Fanatic

January 13th, 2007, 12:53 AM

Doubling of Chennai-Tuticorin is a huge project estimated to be around Rs.2000 crores. Indian Railways are not doing the approved Madurai-Dindigul doubling itself which has come to the revised estimate of around Rs.110 crores. They need a :bash: . This has been lingering forever. So, we can't expect Indian Railways to do an one shot doubling of Chennai-Tuticorin even though it is justifiable to some extent.

It is really frustrating.. day by day.. they keep neglecting the south on all front..

Madurai

January 13th, 2007, 12:57 AM

If thats the case then establishment of customs facility could set the balls rolling for launch of international flights from here. The center has totally neglected MDU airport. I see now and then news about foundation stone being laid for new airports, terminals and other infrastructure works all around India but nothing happening in MDU.

What happened to the Paramounts proposed MDU-BLR direct flight service. I was expecting them to introduce it this month, in the wake of the new embraer flights received by them.

If A320's could be landed without load penalty then we could soon see Air Deccan's MDU-Mumbai via BLR flight as per their previous announcement.

Any info on the airline companies interested to start service from MDU to international destinations?.

It is learnt that Paramount did not get the slot it wanted for the Madurai-Bangalore flight. But, this is expected soon.

I am not optimistic about Air Deccan's promises.

Some of the international airline companies have already shown some interest in Madurai. Air Asia has been eyeing Madurai for about 3 years. Deccan Lanka promised flights to many places including Madurai from Colombo. This was supposed to have happened last October. But, not surprisingly, nothing materialised. If I remember correct, Singapore Airlines' subsidiary wanted to link Singapore and Madurai.

Even if some of these materialise in the future, the government carrier will never fly anthing to Madurai. That's the sad state of how the successive Central governments have been neglecting Madurai's needs. May be there is some political back ground which is doing this.

Madurai_Fanatic

January 13th, 2007, 12:59 AM

It is learnt that Paramount did not get the slot it wanted for the Madurai-Bangalore flight. But, this is expected soon.

I am not optimistic about Air Deccan's promises.

Some of the international airline companies have already shown some interest in Madurai. Air Asia has been eyeing Madurai for about 3 years. Deccan Lanka promised flights to many places including Madurai from Colombo. This was supposed to have happened last October. But, not surprisingly, nothing materialised. If I remember correct, Singapore Airlines' subsidiary wanted to link Singapore and Madurai.

Even if some of these materialise in the future, the government carrier will never fly anthing to Madurai. That's the sad state of how the successive Central governments have been neglecting Madurai's needs. May be there is some political back ground which is doing this.

woow.. is the Madurai-Bangalore flight going to kick off soon??.. how did you came to know abt it Madurai???

Madurai

January 13th, 2007, 04:14 AM

woow.. is the Madurai-Bangalore flight going to kick off soon??.. how did you came to know abt it Madurai???

I made a query to them and got a response from them about it.

wcgokul

January 13th, 2007, 08:39 AM

all of the posts in the previous page are by madurais!!:lol:

MaduraiSelvam

January 13th, 2007, 12:01 PM

all of the posts in the previous page are by madurais!!:lol:

well is that a problem? but our Mr.Coimbatore is there?

MaduraiSelvam

January 13th, 2007, 12:06 PM

Madurai Division of Southern Railway records an impressive growth

"The overall earnings crossed the Rs. 250-crore mark in December 2006"

MADURAI : The Madurai Division of the Southern Railway has performed well on the earnings front in 2006 by recording an impressive growth of 31.2 per cent. If the freight earnings went up by 50 per cent, passenger earnings recorded an increase of 19.4 per cent. Talking to The Hindu here on Friday, the Additional Divisional Railway Manager, M. Suyambulingam, said the number of passengers increased from 17.9 crore in 2005 (April-December) to 19.1 crore the next year.
"The overall earnings crossed the Rs. 250-crore mark in December. Besides enhanced loading at the Tuticorin port, migration of passengers from road transport to rail traffic, introduction of new trains and operation of festival specials were some of the reasons for the growth. We remain the cheapest mode of transport," he said.
Mr. Suyambulingam said the performance of the division covering 13 districts, including two in Kerala, was good despite closure of some sections for broad gauge conversion. At least 165 km of track was closed to facilitate ongoing projects. While the Tiruchi-Pudukottai line was opened to traffic recently, the Manamadurai-Mandapam section was targeted for completion in March. The Tirunelveli-Tiruchendur and Tenkasi-Shencottah gauge conversion works were under various stages of completion, he said. The Madurai-Dindigul gauge conversion work was progressing well and announcement on the budget allocation and target for completion was expected soon. The patronage on the Madurai-Tenkasi route was encouraging. The Tenkasi-Chennai Egmore `Pothigai' (tri-weekly) Express was running full and it was likely that it would be made a daily train, railway officials said.
The Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Alexander Gnanaolivu, said the Tirunelveli-Madurai-Chennai Egmore sector was the most profitable route. Inward and outward movement of fertilizer, coal and imported wheat augmented the freight revenue.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/13/stories/2007011315500100.htm

wcgokul

January 13th, 2007, 01:45 PM

well is that a problem? but our Mr.Coimbatore is there?

no it was just an observation...so many in one page.....:)

madurai veeran

January 14th, 2007, 10:43 PM

The special purpose vehicle (SPV) set up by Madhucon Projects for undertaking the 129-km stretch of the National Highway between Madurai and Tuticorin achieved financial closure.

According to a press release, a consortium led by Canara Bank syndicated the debt for the project. The BOT (build-operate-transfer) project is being taken up at a cost of Rs 920 crore with a concession period of 20 years. It is the longest stretch awarded by National Highway Authority of India.

The scope of the project includes design, engineering, finance, construction, operation and maintenance," it said.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/01/15/stories/2007011502640300.htm

madurai veeran

January 14th, 2007, 11:00 PM

Madurai_Fanatic

January 14th, 2007, 11:44 PM

Does the above news mean that the 4 laning work hasn't started yet?. I thought this work was already progressing. I have for a long time found that it was under implementation from the NHAI website.

Any idea when the 129km project would be completed?.

As part of this work will the ring road stretch between Uthangudi and the place where Aruppukottai road cuts be taken up for 4 laning?.

Any idea on the remaining stretch till kappalur?. Is there any project to 4 lane it?.

The ring road phase I has been handed over to NHAI for four laning by the madurai corporation about a month ago. NHAI is taking this up because it forms as the Madurai Bypass for the NH 45-B connecting Trichy - Tuticorin..but i am not sure on whether madhucon is taking it up or not..
And.. as a matter of fact, there will be stretches where the new ring road will be running parallel to the existing one (especially near the Airport, the new road is being planned to move away from the Airport walls..)

madurai veeran

January 17th, 2007, 02:54 AM

I found the following news in a tamil daily site. Im not sure how far this report is authentic and true. If this is indeed true then its a great news.:)

Madurai : AAI Southern Regional Executive Director Dr. K. Ramalingam reviewed the on going works for the development of Madurai airport into an international airport. The national carrier is soon to launch service linking Madurai to Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain. The helicopter service linking Madurai to tourist destinations would be launched in the month of April.

Source : http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=88578&code=17412

Madurai

January 17th, 2007, 04:42 AM

I found the following news in a tamil daily site. Im not sure how far this report is authentic and true. If this is indeed true then its a great news.:)

Source : http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=88578&code=17412

That's a good news and let us hope it becomes true and not like the routine speech by some officials and politicians.

jyas

January 17th, 2007, 11:09 PM

MADURAI: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is expected to launch broad gauge train services from his hometown of Rameswaram during March .

The Mandapam-Rameswaram BG link will mark the completion of the 162-km Madurai-Rameswaram gauge conversion project taken up at a cost of Rs. 250 crore.

According to Additional Divisional Railway Manager M. Suyambulingam at least 85 per cent of work on the Pamban bridge has been completed. A trial run of motor trolley and locomotive has been planned on January 22 in the presence of Member (Engineering), Railway Board, R. R. Jaruhar.

"We are preparing to finish the project latest by February 28, which is well ahead of the targeted completion. The Commissioner of Railway Safety will inspect safety parameters and clear operation of train services," he told The Hindu here on Wednesday.

Railway officials have recommended introduction of the Rameswaram-Chennai Egmore daily express, through Madurai, Dindigul and Tiruchi. More services are likely after completion of the Tiruchi-Pudukottai-Manamadurai conversion project that will provide a shorter route to Chennai from Rameswaram.

Sources in the engineering department said though the Madurai-Rameswaram project was sanctioned in 1997-98, it was delayed owing to many factors, including meagre allocation of funds initially.

Following conflicting views on the safety of gauge conversion along the 2.1-km Pamban bridge that connects the island town with the rest of the country on rail route, expert opinion was sought from various agencies such as the Indian Institute of Technology, the Structural Engineering Research Centre and the Research Design and Standards Organisation.

"Stress analysis, wind speed and strength of the sub/super structure were taken into consideration while calculating the load. If the load per span of 40 feet on the metre gauge was 52 tonnes, the same would be only 38 tonnes on the BG. We have replaced pre-stressed concrete structures with light-weight steel girders," a senior engineer added.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/18/stories/2007011808470500.htm

madurai veeran

January 18th, 2007, 04:25 PM

CHENNAI: Rhein Chemie group , a leading global supplier of additives and service products for the rubber and lubricant, polyurethane and plastic industries, has added a new product line to its India facility at Madurai in Tamil Nadu.

The plant set up by the Indian arm of Lanxess, which is the parent company of Rhein Chemie, will go on stream on Friday producing polymer bound rubber chemicals ( rhenogran) used by the tyre and technical rubber industries.

Dr Joerg Stressburger, country representative & MD, Lanxess India, based in Thane said in 2005, Rhein Chemie started production of environmental friendly water based release agents ( rhenodiv) at the Lanxess site in Madurai. In a year’s time, it has gained a market share of 10%.

The agents are applied while making radial tyres. As the market for radial tyres is rapidly growing and with increasing eco consciousness, the company hopes to double its market share to 25% in a couple of years and reach a capacity of 2000 tonnes a year.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Indl_Goods__Svs/Chem__Fertilisers/Rhein_Chemie_expands_Madurai_facility/articleshow/1283647.cms

madurai veeran

January 18th, 2007, 09:43 PM

MADURAI: A major portion of the land proposed for the construction of Information Technology (IT) Park and TIDEL Park in Madurai has been transferred to the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT).

The Government has issued orders transferring 8.81 hectares at Ilandhaikulam (near Pandikoil) and 16.02 hectares at Kinnimangalam (near Madurai Kamaraj University) to ELCOT.

Talking to The Hindu, ELCOT Managing Director, C. Umashankar, said one million square feet of IT space would be created with `plug and play' facility at the TIDEL Park site. Major players in the industry have expressed interest to set up their establishments.

50 per cent booking over

"At least 50 per cent booking is already over," he said.

Construction work would commence soon after the entire land is transferred to ELCOT.

"These projects will boost the economy of the State. The ELCOT will identify the infrastructure requirements for the IT Park and submit its recommendations to a high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary," he added.

The Collector, T. Udhayachandran, said infrastructure in the Temple City would also get impetus as the IT/TIDEL Park projects took shape.

Airport expansion

While the airport expansion work was already under way, the projects under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewable Mission gave a lot of scope for development works in this part of the State.

"The available infrastructure in Madurai is on par with the metros."

Official sources said a private IT Park was also coming up on a 400-acre site on the city outskirts.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/19/stories/2007011913610100.htm

madurai veeran

January 19th, 2007, 12:12 AM

senthilnatha

January 19th, 2007, 01:01 AM

The above news gives me renewed hope that the IT and TIDEL park works by ELCOT in Madurai would be carried on simultaneously along with the works in Coimbatore.

Earlier there were reports that work in Madurai would be taken up only after completing works at Coimbatore.

From the way things are moving forward i hope the works start ASAP.

It looks like Madurai Tidel Park works may be delayed if they plan to implement as SEZ. I heard that construction work of CBE Tidel park will start on 24/02 as CM is on two days offical trip to CBE.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/01/18/stories/2007011805230100.htm

All special economic zone (SEZ) approvals are on hold until the January 22 meeting of the empowered group of Ministers, which will also take stock of how the States have been following up the clearances and addressing land acquisitions and related issues, according to the Commerce Minister, Mr Kamal Nath

Madurai_Fanatic

January 19th, 2007, 01:15 AM

It looks like Madurai Tidel Park works may be delayed if they plan to implement as SEZ. I heard that construction work of CBE Tidel park will start on 24/02 as CM is on two days offical trip to CBE.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/01/18/stories/2007011805230100.htm

All special economic zone (SEZ) approvals are on hold until the January 22 meeting of the empowered group of Ministers, which will also take stock of how the States have been following up the clearances and addressing land acquisitions and related issues, according to the Commerce Minister, Mr Kamal Nath

Even if they are planning to implement an SEZ, how does the postponement of the meeting of GoM will delay the setting up of parks in Madurai??

madurai veeran

January 19th, 2007, 01:25 AM

It looks like Madurai Tidel Park works may be delayed if they plan to implement as SEZ. I heard that construction work of CBE Tidel park will start on 24/02 as CM is on two days offical trip to CBE.

All special economic zone (SEZ) approvals are on hold until the January 22 meeting of the empowered group of Ministers.

A delay of few months wouldn't worry me. I would be happy if the foundation stone is layed and works start by the end of this year at the latest. It would really worry me if the project gets delayed like witnessed in Coimbatore over the past years.

Ya, the parks would be developed as SEZ. I hope ELCOT applies for a SEZ soon before centre sets some cap on SEZ's.

senthilnatha

January 19th, 2007, 04:03 AM

A delay of few months wouldn't worry me. I would be happy if the foundation stone is layed and works start by the end of this year at the latest. It would really worry me if the project gets delayed like witnessed in Coimbatore over the past years.

Ya, the parks would be developed as SEZ. I hope ELCOT applies for a SEZ soon before centre sets some cap on SEZ's.

A fine example is CBE Tidel Park, the land was transferred to ELCOT around Mar'06 and it received the SEZ status in June'06 but it took almost 8 months to start the construction (not yet!). But I hope that the construction of MDU Tidel Park will start before end of this year.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/23/stories/2006062302920900.htm

I browsed the SEZ website, I couldn't see any application for IT related projects in Madurai.

http://sezindia.nic.in/

Govt Plans Sectoral Cap on SEZs

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Govt_plans_sectoral_cap_on_SEZs/articleshow/1288040.cms

Madurai_Fanatic

January 19th, 2007, 04:15 AM

A fine example is CBE Tidel Park, the land was transferred to ELCOT around Mar'06 and it received the SEZ status in June'06 but it took almost 8 months to start the construction (not yet!). But I hope that the construction of MDU Tidel Park will start before end of this year.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/06/23/stories/2006062302920900.htm

I browsed the SEZ website, I couldn't see any application for IT related projects in Madurai.

http://sezindia.nic.in/

Govt Plans Sectoral Cap on SEZs

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Govt_plans_sectoral_cap_on_SEZs/articleshow/1288040.cms

True.. But I believe there should not be much problem in getting an SEZ status for either the Govt. promoted IT parks or @ Rudradev township.. as...the government is much concerned in SEZs being formed at the expense of villages and cultivalble lands.. they want the SEZs to be formed in vacant land.. and as far the proposed lands in madurai are concerned.. they are very much vacant.. and have already been acquired.. (RR Ind is also done with the purchase of land..).. Hence I hope there shouldnt be a trouble in GoM approving IT SEZs for Madurai....

madurai veeran

January 19th, 2007, 11:24 AM

I browsed the SEZ website, I couldn't see any application for IT related projects in Madurai.

In this link below you can find the proposal sent to BoA in October by RR Industries for Rudradev IT Township. Im not sure if they have got SEZ status.

If the above project gets going that would bring 7 million Sq. feet into IT/ITES in one go.

http://sezindia.nic.in/6th%20October%20BoA%20list.pdf

madurai veeran

January 19th, 2007, 11:47 PM

Rail Ratnas - contract awarded to setup hotel in Madurai

IRCTC awarded the bids for setting up budget hotels at 11 locations to the private sector yesterday under the build-operate-transfer scheme.

The Subhash Chandra-owned GL Hotels group has won contracts for Mumbai, Madurai and Sealdah. These hotels are expected to come up in the next one year.

IRCTC has charged a six month security deposit of Rs 1-2 crore from each player against a 30-year lease. The deals are to be on a 70:30 revenue-share basis in favour of the concessionaires. The names of the hotels are to be decided in tandem with the players through co-branding. The railways had initially planned to call them Rail Ratnas.

http://www.business-standard.com/compindustry/storypage.php?leftnm=lmnu1&subLeft=1&autono=272041&tab=r

madurai veeran

January 20th, 2007, 12:02 AM

Memorandum submitted to the Union Minister for Civil Aviation

MADURAI: The Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called for early upgrading of Madurai airport into an international terminal. The memorandum urged the Union Minister to take efforts to acquire land for extension of runway. The work of runway extension to 7,500 feet from 6,000 feet is under way and preliminary steps are on to extend it up to 9,000 feet, a basic requirement for international airport status.

Aviation university

Madurai airport was free from fog and away from busy air corridors. Besides abundant land and large chunk of engineering and other graduates in the region, Madurai would be the ideal place for setting up the university., the memorandum said.

International airport

Apart from being the second most important cluster of tourism attractions in the State, Madurai was growing as a health destination with the presence of many prominent hospitals. The international airport here would help nurture these potential areas.

A huge number of people from southern districts employed in foreign countries contributed to the inbound and outbound air passenger traffic in this area. Besides, the Nanguneri special economic zone, Koodangulam Atomic Power Plant and ongoing Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project would accelerate the potential for increased passenger traffic from Madurai airport.

The abundant quantity of fruits, vegetables and flowers grown in Madurai and nearby Dindigul district were exported to Male and other foreign destination through Thiruvananthapuram airport, the memorandum said. For all these reasons, the airport should be converted into an international terminal at the earliest with all required facilities like customs clearance and exchange counters.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/01/20/stories/2007012015300200.htm