Although Google Earth has still not covered Madurai, satellite imagery of Madurai is now available in Yahoo Maps. Check this link here

http://in.maps.yahoo.com/#?lat=9.926522&lon=78.124477&z=1&mt=s&addr=madurai

A sample image, the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple (unlike Google Earth, am not sure of the copyright issues here, just wanted to inform the forum of availability)

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/668/maduraimeenakshiqc0.jpg

Cheers
Slakhs

Very good picture. One can see lots of streets around the temple, just like steps in temple lake.

New jail road expansion

Is this road expansion and others currently happening in MDU part of any bigger project ?. Few years back under radial road expansion project all the 12 radial roads branching out of MDU were expanded with 120 crore Rs. HUDCO funding. Recently Anna nagar - Lake view road expansion was completed and now K.K nagar, Melur road expansion work is progressing and bypass road expansion is due to be taken up in few months. It appears to me that the new road expansions are also part of some bigger project.

In terms of road infrastructure MDU is really getting a makeover.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8594/24042007102012001jw7.jpg

New jail road expansion
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8594/24042007102012001jw7.jpg
The road side park used to be the working place for the prison dwellers as a job and the park used to be very green, clean and beautiful. Pity that after some prison breaching incidents they stopped that work.
Nevertheless its nice to see that they are expanding the road and it will be good if they do it also for the rest of the road till the Madura coats over bridge. Then the complete road will be four lanned.

Does anyone know what happened to the Kingfisher's plans for introduction of Madurai-Chennai flights apart from their Chennai-Coimbatore/Trichy flight?

I heard from the travel agent in Madurai that it will start from the June! but he wasnt very sure.

As per Kingfisher's site, this flight is supposed to start from May 1st. This is the latest update. They keep updating it, while probably waiting for approval. Sadly, there is no plans by them for Bangalore-Madurai. Also, Paramount seems to have ditched its plans for a direct Bangalore-Madurai flight. They were planning for last November itself and then it seems to be out of the picture now.

Hi All,
have a look into this site.
http://in.ourcity.yahoo.com/Madurai/maps


The company launched two products-Yahoo India Our City and Yahoo! India Maps
BANGALORE: Yahoo! India today announced the beta launch of two India-specific products-Yahoo!India Our City and Yahoo! India Maps. Both the offerings were developed locally.

Yahoo! India Our City is a mashup application that provides editorial as well as user generated content on Indian cities such as news, weather, photos, videos, blogs and events, Yahoo! said at the press briefing here today.

This is currently available for 20 cities across India including Bangalore, Mumbai, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Jaipur and Madurai. This project was the outcome of the company’s internal “Hack day” event where this idea of a few developers grew to become a full-blown product, Yahoo! added.

The Yahoo India! Maps offering enables street level search features, satellite map and also offers the user an option to juxtapose the street map with the satellite map. Right now, users can search over 170 cities, 4785 towns and over 220,000 villages across India. Detailed search such as street name, city, district, as well as services like hospitals, ATMs and chemists is also available. George Zacharias, MD, Yahoo India, said that the company intends to bring the application on to mobile phones eventually.

Yahoo has joined hands with CE Infosystems for the map data. The maps are compliant with guidelines provided by the Government of India.

Speaking to the media, David Filo, co-founder Yahoo! said that the company would restructure the R&D center in Bangalore. As part of the global reorganization at the company, the international group has been classified into three regions-Asia, Europe and Emerging markets.

The Yahoo! India R&D center will now be the Center of Excellence for product engineering for emerging markets. The Yahoo! India research team would see a change of guard. Venkat Pachapakesan, who headed the research team in India would be moving to Yahoo’s Sunnyvale office to become EVP, audience group engineering. Sharad Sharma who was previously associated with Symantec would now take over Pachapakesan’s role.

On Yahoo! India’s business, Zacharias said that revenues had trebled last year. Yahoo accounts for around 20 per cent of total page views in India.

Madurai in need of master plan

M.R. Aravindan

MADURAI: Travel and hotel sectors, the two key stakeholders of tourism industry that usually witness hectic activity from October to March, are hopeful of getting active business round the year after the proposed information technology, tidel and software parks take shape in the Temple City.
Both of them anticipate an increase of 15 to 50 per cent in their business three years from now. The hotel industry is equipping itself to meet the demands of new customers. "If everything goes in the right direction, we will need at least another 200 rooms (in 3 star hotels), for which an investment of Rs.20 crore to Rs.25 crore will be needed," says G. Vasudevan, former president of Travel Club.
"This will be needed especially during the peak season as catering both to IT segment and tourists with the existing rooms will be a little difficult. In 2004, nearly 33 lakh tourists visited the city. It dipped to 27.9 lakh in 2005. But last year we had good tourist arrivals, touching approximately 45 lakh."
"We have to offer rooms on different tariffs suiting various segments of IT people, who are self-reliant and seek quick service and good communication facilities in their places of stay," he says. In other places, the `budget or standard' rooms, with facilities like Internet, wi-fi, fax, etc., have gone well with this segment. Similarly, they also prefer residential hotels on a lease basis, according to industry circles. Travel agencies and tour operators are expected to pump in an investment of Rs.5 crore to Rs.10 crore to augment their facilities.
"The fleet strength of every taxi operator is expected to grow by at least 50 per cent from the present level," says D. L. Viswanathan, president, Travel Club. The industry is also working out plans for corporate tie-ups for weekend getaways and daily trips.
As far as the facilities in the city are concerned, R. Sriram, a travel agent, says, "Many prefer to go to multiplex or shopping malls and some go to clubs, which the city lacks. But, as demand rises, these facilities will find their way to the cultural capital of the State," say both Mr. Sriram and Dr. Vasudevan.
Air connectivity is already at its record best with 10 domestic flights a day and one more to join the bandwagon soon. "It will be a great advantage if flights connecting international airports like Colombo, Singapore and Malaysia come to Madurai," say industry players. Majority of them stress the need for a permanent tourist village on the lines of `Dakshin Bharat' in Chennai.
According to Dr. Vasudevan, the immediate need is a master plan for infrastructure development, focusing on the next 10 to 15 years, taking into account the expected growth of population in the city. There is also a dire need for a permanent convention centre. If tourism flourishes, every business, including those thriving in the hinterland, will stand to gain in a big way.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/26/stories/2007042616680500.htm

Madurai gets hand remote operatable traffic signals

http://i18.tinypic.com/4cdlb9g.jpg

Madurai gets hand remote operatable traffic signals

http://i18.tinypic.com/4cdlb9g.jpg

Here is the detail: http://www.dinamalar.com/Tamilagaserapuseithigal/t2.asp

Foundation stone for new GH building to be laid on May 20th

Foundation stone for the new GH building at anna bus stand would be laid on May 20th. The building will have G+6 floors and will come up in 3 acres of land at a cost of 22 crore Rs., and additional 10 crore Rs. will be used to buy equipments. It is expected that MK will be in Madurai to attend the function.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/04/27/012/27_04_2007_012_007.jpg

Thousands turn up for The Hindu job fair

Staff Reporter

The HinduOpportunities Fair 2007 begins in Madurai





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Madurai fair draws candidates even from Chennai
Over 7,500 aspirants take part on the first day
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MADURAI: Thousands of jobseekers turned up for The Hindu Opportunities Fair 2007 that began at Madurai Kamaraj University here on Saturday.

Aspiring candidates and their parents from all over the State reached the venue well ahead of the scheduled start. Elaborate arrangements were made for smooth conduct of the process.

Offer letters


The first day witnessed participation by over 7,500 job aspirants and 11 companies. While some of the companies handed over offer letters to successful candidates, others, including IT major Cognizant, short-listed many candidates for the next stage.

"This fair looks innovative. This is a good chance for the talent from the Temple City to get an exposure," said P. Maruthamuthu, Vice-Chancellor of the university.

Interestingly, the Madurai fair drew aspirants from Chennai too.

Job profiles of most of the companies were wide, as it attracted freshers and experienced alike from various places, including Nagercoil, Namakkal, Thanjavur and Thrissur in Kerala.

Vice-president of the Cognizant Technology Solutions Venkatesan Seshadri said the company had short-listed about 800 prospective candidates and presented offer letters to 10 at the end of day one.

Another company in e-learning, Tutors Worldwide India, distributed 25 offer letters.

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It is good to see job fairs in all the cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Salem and Trichy of TN.

But these recruiters are being posted mostly in Chennai and Bangalore.

Once IT parks started functioning in CBE, Madurai, Salem and Trichy, we can see people moving to II-tier cities for more comfortable life.

Cognizant "positive towards Madurai"

MADURAI: Information Technology major, Cognizant, is willing to invest more in tier II cities, including Madurai, and the State Government is already in touch with the company for setting up a centre in the IT park coming up here.

The vice-president of Cognizant Technology Solutions, Venkatesan Seshadri, said that the company was positive towards Madurai but the availability of technical infrastructure, particularly networking and bandwidth facilities, would be one of the deciding factors. Talking to The Hindu on Sunday, he said there was no big difference in potential among candidates belonging to the metropolitan cities and those in Madurai and Cognizant always believed that supply of talent would not be a constraint in this city since there are many technical institutions and arts/science colleges.

"It was Cognizant that pioneered IT promotion in places like Coimbatore and Kochi. If required logistics support was there, we may be favourably inclined towards starting its operations in Madurai also," Mr. Seshadri said when asked about the possibility of setting up a centre here.

He said that talks were on with the State Government and if good incentives were provided, the coming of Cognizant to Madurai cannot be ruled out.

Mr. Seshadri was here in connection with `The Hindu Opportunities Fair' that was held at Madurai Kamaraj University on April 28 and 29.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/30/stories/2007043012560100.htm

Madurai May 1 The announcement by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr M. Karunanidhi, that administrative sanction has been accorded for establishing an IT park with 10 lakh sq.ft area at Illandaikulam village in North Madurai taluk, has brightened the scope for Madurai to emerge as a destination for IT and related activities.

However, with tier-II cities in the State getting the focus as part of an overall policy initiative, Madurai will have to vie with them to emerge as a destination. The Government support may help only up to a point.

The arrival of leading players like Infosys, Wipro, Satyam, HCL, Cognizant etc, would help but only low-end activities would be transferred by them. The city and the local entrepreneurship as such will have a lot to do to sustain and grow further, says the emerging IT industry here. Its strength, potential, initiative and the mindset to take on the challenges will be necessary inputs in clinching the place, they point out.

In the last decade, IT and related activities have been gaining strength and recognition. Internet and communication technology services, enterprise software products and solutions, human relations and business process outsourcing services, consultation and services for VAT through Web sites etc have emerged with Madurai as headquarters. Some of them have even spread their wings across the country, as their profiles reveal.

A&T Network Systems Pvt Ltd established in 1996 has all network, voice, data and video application technologies and specialises in voice over IP specialists. Its design and development process has been certified under ISO 9001-2000. It has national presence in six places.

i-Grandee, in the software products and solutions segment since 2001, is also a ISO 9001-2000 certified company for its design and development. Winways Systems Private Ltd operates in the areas of open source/linux solutions, Web solutions, training, human resource and publishing. Aparajitha Corporate Services Private Ltd (ACSPL) is a HR and business process outsourcing unit.

Having started operations in 2002 with a staff strength of 10, the company today has a strength of 250. Its client list includes TVS, ITC, MRF, Nokia, L&T, HLL and BPCL. According to Mr Ashwin R. Desai and Mr R. Sivarajah of the IT panel of Madurai District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association, the younger generation is willing to break with the tradition and plunge into new areas of activities.

"The keenness was revealed during a seminar on `Setting up and Scope of BPO in Madurai' held in March recently. More than 150 persons turned up. This included aspirants from neighbouring places like Theni and Virudhunagar. A clean and liveable environment in the city and a collaborative entrepreneurship seeking vertical growth with focus on knowledge based activities are the prime requisites for Madurai to take the lead, says Mr R.D. Pandian, President, i-Grandee. He told Business Line, that the strength of Madurai is manpower.

The colleges in the region offered a number of computer-related courses. Nearly 15 per cent of those working in the industry in Bangalore are from down South and if other Tier I cities are taken together, the percentage would be more and they would like to return to Madurai.

To drive the industry growth however, top-level functionaries like CEOs and CFOs of leading companies should choose to operate from Madurai. Mr Pandian feels that with infrastructure development taking place in the region in terms of air services, road connectivity, bandwidth etc, there is scope to attract them.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/05/02/stories/2007050201941500.htm

^^ Nice and positive report on the present and future of IT in Madurai.

As an important step to boost tourism in the State, the Government has given its approval to start helicopter services to connect important tourist destinations.

It has directed the officials of the Tourism and Finance Departments, Collectors of Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Dindigul and The Nilgiris and other stakeholders to expedite steps to create infrastructure for operating helicopter services.

R. Kirlosh Kumar, Ramanathapuram Collector, said on Tuesday that this was decided at a meeting in Chennai on Monday with Chief Secretary L.K. Tripathy in the chair.

V. Irai Anbu, Secretary, Tourism; Sanwath Ram, Commissioner, Tourism; Praveen Kumar, Special Secretary, Finance; Collectors, S.S. Jawahar (Madurai) and R. Vasuki (Dindigul), besides Mr. Kumar; and representatives from Pawan Hans Limited participated in the meeting. Mr. Kumar said that Pawan Hans, a public sector undertaking, would operate helicopter services from Madurai to Rameswaram, Kodaikanal and Udhagamandalam, besides other routes.

The State Government agreed to create necessary infrastructure in this regard. The Collectors concerned were asked to identify land for creating the facilities.

Nearly 25 acres at a place between Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi was identified for establishing a helipad. Other facilities such as hangar, visitors' room, ticket cabin, air traffic control room, rest room for crew would also be established.

Construction work would start in October. Private helicopter operators could also utilise the proposed infrastructure.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/02/stories/2007050210830100.htm


Why the delay, wasn't it earlier planned to commense operation from the last tamil new years day.

With the works to create necessary infrastructure planned to commense only from October, i think the copter service would be possible only from next new year.

3 lakh saplings to be planted in Madurai, Theni districts

Madurai, May 5. (PTI): The Social Forestry division here will plant three lakh saplings in Madurai and Theni districts during the coming rainy season at a cost of Rs 32 lakh. A forest department press release said that the State Forest Department would bear the the cost of saplings and transportation, besides labour charges for planting, subject to a ceiling of Rs 35,000 for each beneficiary.
Under the 'green cover' scheme of the department, teak, neem, silk, cotton, ailanthus and casuarina saplings would be planted, according to the soil condition. The beneficiaries would give in writing that they would maintain the saplings. Income from the trees would go to the beneficiary. Sampat Lal Gupta, Divisional Forest Officer, said that the scheme would focus on rural areas.
The trees would conserve the soil moisture content and hence would be beneficial for farmers, giving them direct financial benefits. It would provide them buffer income in case of exigencies like crop failure. It would ensure rich ecosystem and bring down forest offences, he said. He ruled out the possibilities of planting the saplings in urban areas. Interested land owners could approach forest rangers in Madurai, Vadipatti, Melur, Tirumangalam and Theni. The Varushanadu soil conservation division would plant another two lakh sapplings in other parts of Theni district not covered by Madurai division, he said.

http://www.hindu.com/holnus/004200705050312.htm

^^

A very good initiative. Hope to see them sustaining it.

Any updates on the Madurai-Dindigul railway line doubling. How far is the progress of works on the vaigai bridge?. Can we expect SR to close the MG line on May 15th as promised earlier, to expedite the works?.

How about the Ellis nagar and Sellur ROB's, anyone in MDU please update us on the progress.

What happened to the Tiruparankundram and Palanganatham ROB's. The railways have already approved the above projects, then why is the delay. Im looking forward to these ROB's as they would be huge with total outlay of 20 and 30 crores respectively.

Apartment project in Arapalayam (RAJPARIS - PADMAM)

I found this render on the dinamalar epaper advertisement.

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/4527/untitledmm8.jpg

Madurai Airport getting upgraded under the Tenth Five Year Plan

Sources said that Calicut Airport had also been taken up for upgrading in the Tenth Five Year Plan. Agatti, Madurai, Mangalore, Mysore, Tirupati, Tiruchirappalli and Vizag are the other airports in the southern region that have been included for expansion works.

The projects include construction of runways, international terminal complex, apron taxiways, terminal buildings, technical blocks-cum-control towers, drainage and rainwater harvesting systems and re-carpeting of runways.

The total expenditure for the purpose till March 2007 was Rs.101.87 crore for these seven airports, officials said.

Most of the projects at these airports are running as per schedule. But delays had occurred owing to non-closure of airports by State Governments in view of Assembly elections, inclement weather conditions and hostile law and order situation. However, these projects are expected to be completed by December 2007.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/07/stories/2007050707370300.htm

Are they realistic in saying that these projects are to be completed by December 2007? So far, there is no news report about the model of the terminal at Madurai.

Kingfisher's Madurai-Chennai flight didn't start on May 1st also, contrary to their website's schedule.

ELCOT has sent proposals for 2 IT SEZs in Madurai

A proposal has been sent to the Centre for setting up a special economic zone in Tiruchy, right at the site identified for the IT Park at Navalpattu on the outskirts of the city.

The 125 acre SEZ would house the IT Park in 10 acres, according to the proposal sent to the Centre by Electronics Corporation of India (ELCOT). In fact, ELCOT has sought for four more SEZs, two to be set up at Madurai and one each at Salem and Tirunelveli, apart from Tiruchy.

While the SEZs at Madurai are proposed at Ilandaikulam on an area of 28 acres and at Vadapazhanji on 213 acres, the Salem SEZ would come up on an area of 160 acres in Ammapettai and at Gangaikondan in Tirunelveli - on 125 acres. The proposalsz were sent on April 5, said ELCOT MD Umashankar and hoped that there would not be any problem in getting the nod from the Centre.

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IET20070418005042&Page=T&Title=Southern+News+-+Tamil+Nadu&Topic=0

I just checked the SEZ India website and found that none of the above proposals seeking SEZ status will be taken up during the next 3 meetings of the SEZ Board of Approval. This is definetely bad as this could further delay the setting up of IT and TIDEL parks in MDU.

Its sad to find that of the 15 proposals submitted from TN all are from Chennai, except for 2. The one good thing is the 2 proposals are from south TN namely Nanguneri and Tuticorin. I hope atleast these 2 projects take off ASAP. What happened to the Sattur SEZ as announced in the TN budget ?. Is there any work progressing to realise this project ?.

http://www.sezindia.nic.in/HTMLS/boa-meetings.htm

Fly to Kodaikanal, @ just Rs 5,000

MADURAI: Helicopter tourism, which will take tourists from Madurai to various destinations across the southern districts, will soon become a reality with the Tamil Nadu Government giving a green signal to the project.

A decision to this effect was taken at the consultative meeting chaired by Chief Secretary L K Tripathy in Chennai recently. The District Collectors of the southern districts have initiated preliminary work for the project.

With the Airports Authority of India (AAI) giving the green signal for helicopter services at the Madurai airport, land has been identified for setting up helipads at Ramanathapuram and Kodaikanal, two major tourist destinations in the southern districts.

“Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd (PHHL) will provide the services and a passenger facilitation centre will be opened at the Madurai airport shortly,” said S Jawahar, Madurai District Collector.

Initially, Hel-Sorte, a helicopter service between Madurai and Ramanathapuram and Madurai and Kodaikanal will be introduced, Sanjay Kumar, Deputy General Manager (Marketing), PHHL, told this website’s newspaper.

PHHL is ready to lease out five-passenger capacity helicopters with pilots either to the government or private parties and charges will be collected based on flying hours.

“For a half hour journey from Madurai to Kodaikanal, the approximate cost will be Rs 25,000(which works out to Rs 5,000 per passenger),” Kumar said.

“Twenty-five acres of land near Dhanuskodi has been identified for the helipad. We are awaiting financial assistance from the State Government,” said Krilosh Kumar, Ramanathapuram District Collector.

With no rail link to Kodaikanal, the new initiative will be a boon to tourists visiting the hill spot. “We have identified 20 hectares of land in Villpatti near Kodaikanal for the helipad,” Dindigul District Collector S Vasuki said.

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IET20070508022300&Page=T&Title=Southern+News+-+Tamil+Nadu&Topic=0

Lack of futuristic planning ????

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/5177/08052007101010001av3.jpg

The above picture shows the chaotic scene witnessed over the Madura Coats bridge everyday. This is a perfect example of improper planing, though this bridge was built only few years ago, it was not built with future traffic in mind. If they were sensible enough they would have built a much wider bridge. To me even the recently completed Koodal nagar ROB looks narrow.

With Madurai already having 3,50,000 motor vehicles until last year with an year on year increase of 15-20%, we could see double the number of vehicles in city roads in 6 years time. I hope the administration acts sensibly and prepares new projects having 2030 in mind.

^^

Yeah, its a very poor planning that they did few years ago. I hope the TPK and Palanganatham bridges are wide enough to handle future traffic.

Latest update on the Kingfisher flight.... they have removed it from their own site itself. May be they didn't get the permission from DGCA.

Ring road phase II (Samayanallur-Thopur) - land acquisition troubles solved

The project which got delayed at few places due to land acquisition has now been solved. The 14 kms of 4 laned road could now be ready by March 2008 as planned before.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/05/10/104/10_05_2007_104_004.jpg

What about the phase III of the project between Uthangudi and Samayanallur?. The last news i heard was that the survey has been completed and the report has been forwarded to NHAI. Have they cleared the project ?. Have they started the land acquisition process ?.

^^

Does this put an end to the rumor that this bypass will be 6 laned ? Anyways, its nice to know that the land acquisition problem is resolved for this.

Concourse halls at eastern and western entrances of MDU JN

Madurai Divisional Railway Manager, Hemant Kumar said that the Madurai junction would wear a different look in six months after another concourse hall, a bigger one, would come up on the eastern entry. The junction would have a good circulating area, better parking lot and bay for city buses.

A separate concourse hall would also come up at the western entry that would open into platform no. 8, he added.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/12/stories/2007051217320300.htm


Great news, this would help to cope up with the ever increasing passenger traffic at the MDU JN.

Also I came to know from a tamil daily that the Koodal Nagar station is going to be converted into a full fledged railway junction. This move will also help MDU citizens and could help in distributing the passenger traffic.

Honeywell, Tiruparankundram, Madurai

copyright : Kamala L

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4652/496193841eb83e2bf32ogx6.jpg


A view of the new honeywell building on the TCE campus. On the left of the picture you can see a small white building which was were the Honeywell Madurai had a humble begining.

Madurai railway station to develop world-class passenger amenities

MADURAI: Southern Railway has identified Madurai station to develop world-class passenger amenities under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The move comes close on the heels of Railway Board Chairman J.P. Batra writing to zonal General Managers to go for private investments in non-core activities.

Multi-crore centrally air-conditioned eastern entrance

At the Madurai railway station, officials have proposed ticketing machines connected to automatically operated gates. Payment gateways (Automated Teller Machines, Internet Shopping etc), shopping malls, travel amenities stall, hotel booking and foreign tourists' lobby are some of the services planned in a multi-crore centrally air-conditioned building proposed at the eastern entry.

A new parcel complex that would handle express parcels in Madurai was sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs. 48 lakh, he added.


http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/14/stories/2007051403000400.htm

Thirumangalam bypass progressing at a brisk pace

The work on the 6 km 4 lane bypass around Thirumangalam is progressing at a brisk pace. This bypass road will include 1 bridge and 2 under passes. Works on these bridge and under passes are progressing. These works are being carried out as part of the MDU-Virudhunagar 4 lane highway.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/05/14/103/14_05_2007_103_012.jpg

Under pass near Thirumangalam

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/2355/14052007103011001la6.jpg

MGR race course stadium

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/8639/14052007104001001al8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/05/14/101/14_05_2007_101_004.jpg

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/05/14/101/14_05_2007_101_004.jpg

Picture showing the Goripalayam junction where a fly over is to be constructed.

Centre clears six projects at an estimated cost of Rs. 525.7 crore

MADURAI : The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee has approved six projects at an estimated cost of Rs. 525.7 crore for Madurai Corporation under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission.

Speaking at a meeting to discuss the underground drainage project for the left-out areas in the city held here on Monday, the Superintending Engineer, K. Sakthivel, said the work on the second drinking water pipeline project (Rs. 59.31 crore) had begun.

Other sanctioned works are improving the living conditions of slum dwellers in 21 areas (Rs. 26.85 crore), improvement to 58 slum areas (Rs. 103.57 crore) and three check dams across the Vaigai (Rs. 4.80 crore). Besides, solid waste management works (Rs. 74.29 crore) and renovation of 13 drainage channels and laying new storm water drainages (Rs. 256.87 crore) had been approved.

During a visual presentation on the proposed underground drainage works in the left-out areas in the city, the councillors wanted to finalise the proposal only after getting the consent of all elected representatives.

Mr. Sakthivel said even after completion of the phase I and II of the ongoing underground drainage works under the National River Conservation Project, 20 per cent of the city would be left out. Besides, the "omitted areas," the corporation had planned to renew all the underground drainages that were over 30 years old.

The old systems that were put in place between 1924 and 1965 would be taken up for renovation, as those systems could not match the increased sewage discharge now.

The Mayor, G. Thenmozhi, the Deputy Commissioner, A. Ramachandran, several councillors and officials participated in the discussion.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/16/stories/2007051616650300.htm

^^ Projects submitted for approval under JNNURM

In addition to the above sanctioned projects, MDU corporation has submitted the following projects for approval :

1. Shifting of central vegetables market to Mattuthavani and building multi-storied parking lot - Rs. 65.60 crore

2. MDU heritage sites development - Rs. 117 crores

3. Completion of on going underground sewerage system - Rs. 231.02 crore

Regarding road infrastructure development detailed project report would be ready and submitted before 31.03.2008.

http://www.dinamani.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=DND20070515234643&Title=Districts+Page&lTitle=U%F4YhPeLs&Topic=0

Wireless surveillance system for traffic management to be ready soon

MADURAI: The wireless surveillance system for traffic management using sophisticated cameras and Wi-Max technology was successfully tested in the city on Thursday.

Additional Director General of Police and Commissioner, A. Subramanian, said the system would be in place within six months. The ambitious project is aimed at providing live visuals of traffic flow at 15 important junctions/streets, including Goripalayam, Arappalayam, Kaalavasal, Periyar bus stand, Chithrai Streets and Marret Streets. The technology that also provides for night vision and unlimited recording is being developed in association with I-Grandee Software Technologies.

Mr. Subramanian said that the live visuals would be available on monitors at the offices of the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Additional Commissioner of Police (Intelligence) and the Police Control Room. "Traffic snarls can be prevented as online regulation of vehicular movement would be made. The surveillance system capable of zooming down to the number plate of a two-wheeler will also help in crime prevention."

The facility would be extended to all entry/exit points of the city (check-posts), Madurai central prison, Circuit House, Meenakshi Sundareswar Temple and other vital installations in a phased manner. "A dedicated team of police personnel will be trained by experts on the operational and maintenance aspects. The hi-power cameras were water and lighting resistant. The concept was the first of its kind in the State as it was a complete wireless technology," Mr. Subramanian added.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/18/stories/2007051819520300.htm

Warehousing complex coming up at Koodal Nagar railway station

It is likely to boost freight traffic in Madurai Division

MADURAI : A massive warehousing complex with a capacity of 12,000 tonnes is coming up on the Koodal Nagar railway station premises. A joint venture of the Ministry of Railways and the Central Warehousing Corporation, the project is expected to boost freight traffic in Madurai Division.

With rail and road connectivity, the warehousing complex is being constructed on a 5-acre land. Koodal Nagar is one among the 23 centres identified for the project in the country based on a feasibility study. The complex is likely to be operational by October.

"The pilot project at Bangalore was successful with encouraging patronage by the business class. The warehousing complex will go a long way in benefiting traders who can store their consignments," said K. N. Karunakaran, Executive Engineer, CWC.

The Additional Divisional Railway Manager, M. Suyambulingam, said that the complex would cater to the needs of traders in the southern districts.

Since the railways had prohibited piecemeal loading in goods trains, booking of smaller consignments could be stored in the complex till the stipulated 2,000 tonnes required for full rake was collected.

"The CWC would provide logistical support for the railways. In order to ensure quality and quantity of the goods stored, a controlled-temperature mechanism was developed.

Passenger amenities at a cost of Rs. 1.5 crore were completed at Koodal Nagar station recently.

We have plans to provide more facilities and ultimately develop the station as a terminus in northern Madurai soon after the completion of the Madurai-Dindigul broad gauge doubling work," Mr. Suyambulingam added.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/18/stories/2007051819430300.htm

IBM plans to enter Madurai

COIMBATORE: IT major IBM India on Thursday launched its operations in the city as part of its expansion plans in southern India, targeting the Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) in the manufacturing sector.

Foraying into Coimbatore was part of IBM's plans to enter 14 new cities, which included Madurai, Kochi and Visakhapatnam in the South, IBM India Director (Global Small and Medium Business) Ramesh Narasimhan told reporters here.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Infotech/ITeS/IBM_launches_operations_in_Coimbatore/articleshow/2057552.cms

TN keen to develop Madurai - ELCOT MD

C Umashankar, Managing Director of Electronic Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd (ELCOT) said that Tamil Nadu government's schemes to set up IT Parks, smart cities, and Tidel parks in tier-two cities were a runaway success, the official said space in the IT and Tidel parks had already been sold out, and there was more demand for space in all the ventures.

In fact, some multinational companies and big Indian companies offered to take the entire space, whether it was smart city or IT Park, but the government was keen to help not only big companies but also small and medium ones. In fact two large IT companies themselves wanted 200 acres of land in Madurai, the official said.

The government wanted to encourage big and small companies on 50:50 basis. It was with the intention to develop tier-two cities that the government had declared 2007 as 'Year of Tier Two Cities', he said.

He said land had been identified for two more IT Parks in Madurai.

As of now, the government wanted to focus on development of Salem, Tirunelveli, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli and it would take up Hosur, which was near to Bangalore, after the other cities developed.

The design for the seven IT Parks/ Special Economic zones was ready and had to be approved. All parks would have latest communication infrastructure and would not have any power problem.

http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7B7ED10560-649D-4774-AE76-3168E6B6A1E4%7D&CATEGORYNAME=CHN

Who are the two big IT companies which wanted 200 acres of land ????.

Who is promoting the 2 new IT parks and where have they identified land for these parks ????.

^^

The previous report looks promising and interesting to read. But, so far we have seen only paper projects for Madurai. Nothing happened in reality. Sorry for being so pessimistic, but I will be happy to see something happening in actual. I am sure many of you would feel the same.

Repeat

Not just Madurai, South TN has plenty of only-on-paper-projects.


^^

The previous report looks promising and interesting to read. But, so far we have seen only paper projects for Madurai. Nothing happened in reality. Sorry for being so pessimistic, but I will be happy to see something happening in actual. I am sure many of you would feel the same.

Well said Jyas. It is true. They keep mentioning something to rekindle the spirits of the people and forget about it after the elections.

I found the following information from the ELCOT website, under appointment details. The 2 private IT parks proposed in Madurai will be developed by Chennai based Ceedeeyes, a housing and financing company and Dubai based ETA Star Property Developers LLC.

Thanks for the update Madurai Veeran. Hope something good happens.

Madurai Airport traffic statistics

Feb 2007

Category - Feb 07(06) - % change

Aircraft movement - 453(224) - 102.2
Passengers - 25,222(15,686) - 60.8
Freight(in Ton) - 82(28) - 192.9

March 2007

Category - Mar 07(06) - % change

Aircraft movement - 571(254) - 124.8
Passengers - 26,850(15,898) - 68.9
Freight(in Ton) - 74(38) - 94.7

http://www.airportsindia.org.in/traffic_news/march2k7_trafficnews.jsp

The growth rate figures in all categories look promising and is the highest among the 5 airports in TN.

Yeah, the traffic news looks promising as it has been for the past couple of years. Its growing steadily. However, there are no new flights in the recent past. Even the announced Kingfisher flight hasn't started.

In one of the reports about the city side developments, in the list of cities targeted for this year, Trichy is there in that. Madurai is not in that list. There is no news about the completion of the ongoing work also.

Yeah, the traffic news looks promising as it has been for the past couple of years. Its growing steadily. However, there are no new flights in the recent past. Even the announced Kingfisher flight hasn't started.

Im not sure why kingfisher droped its plan, not only for MDU but also for Trichy and Coimbatore. May be after the holiday season they would start as it would be easier for them to find slots at Chennai airport.


In one of the reports about the city side developments, in the list of cities targeted for this year, Trichy is there in that. Madurai is not in that list. There is no news about the completion of the ongoing work also.

I think you are talking abt the following report. AAI has not started city side developments in any of the 35 non metro airports. The list in the 2nd para is only about list of cities where terminal building works will be completed in this financial year. The list includes 12 cities while its said that contract has already been awarded for 13 cities. Madurai could be the 13th city and since the work will only be completed in next financial year could have been omitted. If you remember, AAI had called for tenders for the terminal building only 2 months back.

With air side works currently progressing in Madurai i think it has also found place among the 19 cities currently being targeted. Im still surprised why Trichy airport gets more development works, while actually MDU and CBE handle much more traffic.

Due to non-availability of land, only 24 non-metro airports, out of the total 35 being modernised, will witness city-side development through the public-private-partnership (PPP) route. The ones likely to miss the bus include Agatti, Agra, Chandigarh, Jammu, Pune, Dehradun, Goa, Raipur, Bhubaneswar, Port Blair and Udaipur.

Meanwhile, the AAI has already awarded the works for the terminal buildings at 13 airports and airside works (runway, taxiway, apron, fire station, control tower, isolation bay) for 19 airports. AAI is aiming to complete all works associated with terminal buildings at Pune, Agatti, Nagpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, Vizag, Trichy, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Dehradun and Agra within the current financial year.
http://www.expresstravelworld.com/200705/aviationworld21.shtml

Im not sure why kingfisher droped its plan, not only for MDU but also for Trichy and Coimbatore. May be after the holiday season they would start as it would be easier for them to find slots at Chennai airport.



Kingfisher is already operating in Coimbatore,only Chennai-Coimbatore flights have not been started,kingfisher operates to Ahmedabad and Bangalore from Coimbatore

Let's hope for the best Madurai Veeran. So long as Madurai doesn't figure in the list of cities for want of land, we are ok.

I am eager to see the air side developments getting over soon so that we can see more A 320 and Boeing 737 flights to Madurai. That will be a significant growth which will also facilitate the possibilities of international flights.

Fortune-ITC Welcom group to build resort at Madurai

HYDERABAD: At a press conference here on Sunday A.R.Madan, Managing Director, said that within six to eight months, the group would come up with resorts at Kumbakonam and Madurai.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/21/stories/2007052115270500.htm

Expedite MDU-Trichy four-lane work, says Minister

MADURAI: The Union Minister for Shipping and Highways, T. R. Baalu, on Monday directed the contractors to expedite and complete the ongoing four-lane work in Tiruchi-Thuvarankurichi-Madurai section by August 2008, as per schedule. "These roads will prove more useful, on implementation of the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project," he said.

Mr. Baalu, who inspected the work along with officials of National Highway Authority of India, said the progress of work was affected owing to lack of cooperation from various departments.

More pedestrian and vehicular underpasses

Later, talking to reporters here, Mr. Baalu said that following requests from the public, he ordered for the inclusion of few pedestrian and vehicular underpasses at a few places on the National Highway 45B. "The visit helped me understand their needs." Among the requests were pedestrian underpass on Melur bypass road off Thottanpatti, vehicular underpasses near Othakadai, on Melur-Poovanthi road, Thuvarankurichi-Manapparai road, and Thuvarankurichi-Palayapalayam road.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/22/stories/2007052211290100.htm

Im very much impressed by T.R Baalu's efforts to develop road network in TN and not to forget his will to implement sethu samudhram project. I just saw a news article which said he has even come forward to resign if adams bridge was proved man made.

Its good to find that MDU-Trichy, MDU-Virudhunagar 4 laning works are progressing fast enough to meet the deadline. How about the MDU-Dindigul and MDU-Tuticorin road works ?. I have a question, will the ring road between Uthangudi and MDU airport be converted to 4 lanes as part of the MDU-Tuticorin works ?.

MADURAI: The Union Minister for Shipping and Highways, T. R. Baalu, on Monday directed the contractors to expedite and complete the ongoing four-lane work in Tiruchi-Thuvarankurichi-Madurai section by August 2008, as per schedule. "These roads will prove more useful, on implementation of the Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project," he said.

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

The request from the Union Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, and MP, E. M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, for upgrading the Madurai-Sivaganga-Thondi road as national highway was under `active consideration,' he added.


http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/22/stories/2007052213570300.htm

MADURAI: The Madurai-Dindigul metre gauge section will be closed to traffic on June 10 to enable broad gauge doubling work. The 70-km stretch is expected to have a broad gauge line on the existing alignment by March 2008.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/23/stories/2007052312750300.htm

Expedite MDU-Trichy four-lane work, says Minister





Im very much impressed by T.R Baalu's efforts to develop road network in TN and not to forget his will to implement sethu samudhram project. I just saw a news article which said he has even come forward to resign if adams bridge was proved man made.

.
TR Balu is sure of implementing sethu samudram project and even the four lanning of NH 45 n NH 7 passing through south. But he is not concerned about the west TN, especially NH 67 Which starting from palladam in cbe dist to ooty( a part running as arterial highway in cbe city) is very bad. No steps have been taken by him to relay the roads that have been eroded in ooty during landslides.

Lot of IT and other SEZs are coming up for BoA meeting on 22Jun.

Mostly in and around Madurai. List also has SEZ from other parts of TN like Hosur, Salem, Ranipet and Trichy.

Lot of IT and other SEZs are coming up for BoA meeting on 22Jun.

Mostly in and around Madurai. List also has SEZ from other parts of TN like Hosur, Salem, Ranipet and Trichy.

Thanx sunny78 for the information.

RR industries Rundradev IT township, TIDCO's multi product SEZ at Virudhunagar, ELCOT's IT SEZs at Ilandhaikulam and Vadapalanji are the ones coming up for BoA meeting on Jun 22.

http://www.sezindia.nic.in/HTMLS/boa-meetings/Proposals_for_consideration_in_the_BoA_meeting_on_22_June_2007.pdf

^^ I wish the above 4 SEZs in MDU, 2 in Tirunelveli (Nanguneri and Gangaikondan) and 1 at Tuticorin, take off atleast before the end of this year.

Thanx sunny78 for the information.

RR industries Rundradev IT township, TIDCO's multi product SEZ at Virudhunagar, ELCOT's IT SEZs at Ilandhaikulam and Vadapalanji are the ones coming up for BoA meeting on Jun 22.

http://www.sezindia.nic.in/HTMLS/boa-meetings/Proposals_for_consideration_in_the_BoA_meeting_on_22_June_2007.pdf

Does anyone know what happened to the SIPCOT industrial park announced for madurai during the previous budget?? the virudhunagar SEZ was announced this year and it has been sent for approval.. the sipcot park was announced 1 year earlier..

Today's Dinakaran reports that the new passport office in Madurai is ready. You can find the news in the Madurai district news.

Hope they open it soon and start functioning there.

'KODAI KANAL', really stand by its name (It means both Summer Dream or Summer lookout; Kaanal as in Kaanal neer (transparent water) and Kaanal as lookout)

Annual boat race at Kodai

http://i14.tinypic.com/6gt81gl.jpg

Source: www.dinakaran.com

Does anyone know what happened to the SIPCOT industrial park announced for madurai during the previous budget?? the virudhunagar SEZ was announced this year and it has been sent for approval.. the sipcot park was announced 1 year earlier..

I think the TN govt has some kind of selective amnesia due to which they get to forget projects and developments proposed by them for cities other than Chennai.

^^

Well said. They will announce some paper projects with the By-elections in mind. :bash:

The following report says that the Ellis nagar bridge would be ready by August.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/05/26/013/26_05_2007_013_024.jpg

Have they opened the Koodal nagar bridge for traffic ?. It was supposed to be thrown open to traffic by stalin today, but had to be cancelled due to the election code of conduct. It would be really stupid if they wait until the end of election to inaugurate it.

How abt the Sellur bridge, has the work resumed there ?.

Second pipeline work under way

MADURAI: Pipe laying work for the second drinking water pipeline from Vaigai dam to the city is progressing on a swift pace.

The Mayor, G. Thenmozhi, and the Deputy Mayor, P.M. Mannan, have asked the officials to expedite the work and complete it at least three months in advance.

The Corporation Commissioner, D.J. Dinakkaren, Ms. Thenmozhi and Mr. Mannan, along with officials, inspected the ongoing work under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission near Pannaipatti in Theni district.

"Pipes have been laid for 3.5 km out of 16.600 km for bringing raw water from the Vaigai dam to the treatment plant in Pannaipatti and another 1.250 km out of 48.80 km to carry treated water to the city," Mr. Dinakkaren said. The cost of this work is Rs. 49 crore.

Six compressors have been pressed into service to break the rocky surface. The Superintending Engineer, K. Sakthivel, said that on completion of the project, the city would get 115 million litres of water a day through pipeline as against 68 million litres a day at present. "This will ensure every day supply of 110 litres of water per person a day (LPCD) as against the 63 LPCD of water supplied on alternate days," Mr. Dinakkaren said. Besides the existing 23 overhead tanks, five new ones would enable equitable distribution throughout the city.

"Metering of taps has been made mandatory under the mission," Mr. Sakthivel said.

The second package under the project -- upgrading the water treatment plant at a cost of Rs. 5.1 crore -- has to be cleared by the Technical Advisory Committee. The third package is for constructing five overhead tanks and laying distribution pipelines for 139 km.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/26/stories/2007052615900300.htm

Looking forward to see progress also on other projects for which funds have been sanctioned under JNNURM.

Tourist information centre coming up at Kodaikanal

It will cost Rs.25 lakh and boast of a touch screen facility


KODAIKANAL: A tourist information-cum-guidance centre will be set up at Kodaikanal, Collector R. Vasuki said on Sunday. Addressing the valedictory function of the Summer Festival at Bryant Park here, she said the fully computerised information centre would have touch screen facility to help tourists get all information, including the location and distance of and facilities in the tourists spots and train and bus timings and accommodation. A sum of Rs.25 lakh would be spent on the project.
Park on VGP layout
Works had been taken up to give a facelift to the hill station. A park, at an estimated cost of Rs.5 lakh, would be created on the VGP layout. Decorative lights would be installed around the lake, a prime attraction, at a cost of Rs.73.66 lakh. The renovation of roads connecting all tourists' attractions was being expedited, she said.
Intermittent rain
Ms. Vasuki attributed the delay in construction to intermittent rain. The pond at the Bryant Park was being cleaned to create a musical water fountain. Safety of tourists was also a priority. A fence would be erected near the Guna Cave, Thoppi Thookum Parai and around the Berijam Lake at an estimated cost of Rs. 26.6 lakh.
All these works would be completed as early possible and Kodaikanal would have a beautiful look during the next summer festival, she said. Later, she gave away prizes and certificates to winners of sports events. Carnatic musician Sirkazhi Siva Chidambaram presented a vocal concert.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/28/stories/2007052803950600.htm

Madurai tracks good for smooth ride

S. Vijay Kumar

MADURAI: Travel will be smooth on broad gauge tracks of Southern Railway's Madurai Division. A team from the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow, confirmed this after undertaking a two-day survey that concluded on Saturday.
Technical staff on board a special coach designed for assessing the safety and comfort parameters also found that the tracks were fit for operating trains at high speeds.
While the ride index (parameter of comfort level based on acceleration) was found to be between 1.0 and 1.5, the Track Geometric Index was recorded above 80 per cent.
"The RDSO has found that the track condition is of superior quality.
These parameters of riding index will provide fatigue-free travel for passengers who will enjoy a cushion effect," says the Additional Divisional Railway Manager, M. Suyambulingam.
According to him, the comfort riding level on tracks was achieved by establishing joint-free tracks for long stretches, improving approach to fixed structures such as level crossings/bridges and adequate refilling dashpot oil in coaches to oscillations smoother.
"The cushion of stone ballast below the sleeper holding the rails was increased to 300 mm that helps in holding the track in position while trains run at 100-110 kmph and also provides a noise-free ride," he added.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/28/stories/2007052815820300.htm

Madurai Airport will converted to an international airport by March 2009 - Praful Patel
Source: Dinamalar

Madurai Airport will converted to an international airport by March 2009 - Praful Patel
Source: Dinamalar

Its little bit confusing as the same article says that the airport will be upgraded to an 'International like' standard.

Madurai Airport will converted to an international airport by March 2009 - Praful Patel
Source: Dinamalar

Great, finally the news has come from the aviation minister.

The MDU airport will look lot better by March 2009, with new integrated terminal building, 2 aero bridges, hopefully 9000 ft runway, expanded apron etc. :cheers:

Although its 2 yrs from now, i hope AAI completes all these projects by then.

Great, finally the news has come from the aviation minister.

The MDU airport will look lot better by March 2009, with new integrated terminal building, 2 aero bridges, hopefully 9000 ft runway, expanded apron etc. :cheers:

Although its 2 yrs from now, i hope AAI completes all these projects by then.

Well, the term 'integrated terminal building' sounds funny, as there is only one building now and what it will be integrated to then?

About Madurai becoming International Airport, we should wait to see the full report. The minister had played with words like 'international-like' and bla bla...

Cinemax to build multiplex in Madurai

According to Devang Sampat, VP, marketing and programming, Cinemax India: “One of the reasons smaller towns are a big pull is because the rentals are too high in the metros.” Guwahati apart, Cinemax is also taking a good look at South India. “The occupancy level in the South is the highest, backed by some great regional content and we have already signed deals to build multiplexes across the region from Hyderabad and Bangalore to Madurai and Kochi.”

Adlabs muliplex @ Madurai

Myth or not, cities like Ambala, Indore, Nagpur, Bhatinda, Nasik, Kochi and Madurai are on every cinema operator’s radar. Says Adlabs chairman and MD Manmohan Shetty: “What’s the point of having three multiplexes on one street in the city? We must look outside.”

http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=165487

Madurai Airport will converted to an international airport by March 2009 - Praful Patel
Source: Dinamalar

Its little bit confusing as the same article says that the airport will be upgraded to an 'International like' standard.

Great, finally the news has come from the aviation minister.

The MDU airport will look lot better by March 2009, with new integrated terminal building, 2 aero bridges, hopefully 9000 ft runway, expanded apron etc. :cheers:

Although its 2 yrs from now, i hope AAI completes all these projects by then.

Well, the term 'integrated terminal building' sounds funny, as there is only one building now and what it will be integrated to then?

About Madurai becoming International Airport, we should wait to see the full report. The minister had played with words like 'international-like' and bla bla...


Thanks for bringing this news to the topic. I agree with every one of your feelings about the Minister's statements. They keep confusing or repeating the same old projects as if it's something new. This year is not good for Madurai airport. Apart from a couple of new flights, nothing much seems to have happened so far. Since the minister himself is talking about 2009, we could say good bye to our wishes for international airport for the next 5+ years.

Anyway, here is the link for the news Anniyan mentioned.

http://www.dinamalar.com/2007may29/final.asp

The following report says that the Ellis nagar bridge would be ready by August.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/05/26/013/26_05_2007_013_024.jpg

Have they opened the Koodal nagar bridge for traffic ?. It was supposed to be thrown open to traffic by stalin today, but had to be cancelled due to the election code of conduct. It would be really stupid if they wait until the end of election to inaugurate it.

How abt the Sellur bridge, has the work resumed there ?.

As per this report from Dinakaran, people have inaugurated this bridge themselves and started using it without any approval.

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=136597&code=15109

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/2852007/2805bala08%20-%20clr.jpg

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/2852007/2805siva06%20-%20clr.jpg

Picture showing the ring road from Kappalur to Uthangudi, courtesy Dinakaran.

Here is the news about NHAI not willing to take up the four laning of the current ring road.

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=136636&code=16304

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

This is definitely not a good news. :bash:

^^ Though not the full stretch, i was expecting that NHAI would 4 lane the ring road between Uthangudi and airport (were ring road meets Tuticorin road) as this forms part of the Trichy-Madurai-Tuticorin NH 45B four laning project. Very bad news.

Then whats the use in corporation handing the ring road to NHAI ?. The NHAI were the ones who were repeatedly asking corporation to hand over for 4 laning.

Chennai : The Tamil Nadu Government will set up five handloom export zones under the Centre-sponsored SGSY (Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana) scheme, according to Mr Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister of State for Commerce.

Briefing newspersons here on Tuesday after a review of handloom export performance, he said that the export zones would come up in Nagercoil, a centre for making terry towels; Virudhunagar and Tiruvannamalai for placemats; Kanchipuram for value-added handlooms; and Nagapattinam for silk furnishing.

The first export zone is to come up in Nagercoil by October. Once established in Tamil Nadu, the programme would be extended to more States, he said.

The objective is to provide a new focus for handloom exports and generate jobs. The Centre would provide Rs 60 lakh to each zone under the SGSY scheme with the State Government making available land and infrastructure. This was part of a strategy to encourage the growth of handlooms where there is potential.

For more : http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/05/30/stories/2007053000532100.htm

Work in the Tiruchi-Madurai section will begin next year

MADURAI: Electrification of the Madurai-Chennai sector, part of the most profitable Chennai-Nagercoil corridor in the southern broad-gauge stream of the Railways, may be completed by March 2009.

Southern Railway General Manager Thomas Varghese told The Hindu that electrification would be completed in different stages: the Villuppuram-Tiruchi section was under way and the Tiruchi-Madurai section would be covered next year.

Mr. Varghese said Rs. 406 crore had been sanctioned for gauge conversion this year. "Gauge conversion of all metre-gauge sections, except the Madurai-Bodinayakanur section, has been sanctioned. I hope uni-gauge will be achieved in the zone in three years... ". A Rs. 1,600-crore proposal for taking up broad-gauge doubling, coupled with electrification of the Tuticorin-Chennai route, had been sent to the Railway Board.

On the Manamadurai-Rameswaram project, Mr. Varghese said the Commissioner of Railway Safety had inspected the work.

"We hope to get [his] clearance soon. We will invite President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to inaugurate the section."

Budget hotels

The focus of the public-private partnership would be on budget hotels and deluxe toilets on railway premises, he said.

The hotels boasting of 200-300 rooms would be completed in two-three years at various places.

A sum of Rs. 5.5 crore would be invested in development works in Madurai, with the thrust on improving retiring rooms, air-conditioned dormitories and waiting halls.

The Ellis Nagar and Sellur Road over-bridges would be completed in the next two-three months. The Koodal Nagar bridge had been completed, he said.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/30/stories/2007053013930800.htm

There has been no news for quite some time on the runway expansion. If i remember correctly it was supposed to be completed in the month of June. Are they anywhere near completion ?. Im just wondering how long will AAI need to expand runway by 1500 feet. They have already taken more than 2 yrs :bash: . I hope they complete the runway works, calibration of ILS and commission it for usage by August.

http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/1373/04062007104007001vz8.jpg

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/4668/04062007104008002uy6.jpg

There has been no news for quite some time on the runway expansion. If i remember correctly it was supposed to be completed in the month of June. Are they anywhere near completion ?. Im just wondering how long will AAI need to expand runway by 1500 feet. They have already taken more than 2 yrs :bash: . I hope they complete the runway works, calibration of ILS and commission it for usage by August.

AAI took almost 4 years to extend the runway by 2000 feet at Trichy airport.The project started in mid 2003 completed in march 2007.
Though it was completed there was calibration error in the extended runway.During this 4 years there was major development at trichy airport as there was no new flights but for air deccan nor there was any additional flights.Also major airlines dumped the plan of starting services from Trichy as AAI couldnt give a schedule for the completion of the work.

Now you can guess how long it would take to complete the expansion.

3 lakh saplings to be planted in Madurai, Theni districts

Madurai, May 5. (PTI): The Social Forestry division here will plant three lakh saplings in Madurai and Theni districts during the coming rainy season at a cost of Rs 32 lakh.

Under the 'green cover' scheme of the department, teak, neem, silk, cotton, ailanthus and casuarina saplings would be planted, according to the soil condition.

http://www.hindu.com/holnus/004200705050312.htm

It would be nice if they plant a few of these 3 lakh saplings along the NH 45B and NH 7 which are currently being 4 laned. Most of these stretches look totally barren and presence of trees will certainly be great.

A few of our forumers have used the MDU airport in the recent past. I have a question regarding the approach road to airport from Avaniyapuram. A few years back this road was worse than a 2 lane road, but then i heard it was going to be expanded and also there were plans to 4 lane it. Please update me on the current status of this road.

^^

I don't think there is much improvement on this approach road. People wouldn't realize it's an approach road to an airport.

MADURAI: The Madurai Railway Station has been upgraded to `A-1' status with its passenger revenue crossing the Rs. 50-crore mark.

The junction will be the third in Tamil Nadu, after Chennai and Coimbatore, to achieve the ranking that will pave the way for modernised passenger amenities.


http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/06/stories/2007060611540100.htm

Paramount is planning an MRO facility in India for the Embraer aircrafts. They already have plans of setting up Pilot training academy in Madurai.. It would be great if they bring the MRO facility to Madurai too.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Transportation/Paramount_Embraer_plan_MRO_facility/articleshow/2101675.cms

RR Industries have received No Objection Certificate(NOC) on 05.06.07 for promoting IT park at Rudradev township. The IT park will have a buit up area of nearly 1 million sq. ft.

Source : http://www.elcot.in/it_parks_itbulidings.php?page_id=112

Waiting eagerly for the rendering of the proposed IT park. I hope they get SEZ status during the BoA meeting on 22nd June, which could kick start the project.

RR Industries have received No Objection Certificate(NOC) on 05.06.07 for promoting IT park at Rudradev township. The IT park will have a buit up area of nearly 1 million sq. ft.

Source : http://www.elcot.in/it_parks_itbulidings.php?page_id=112

Waiting eagerly for the rendering of the proposed IT park. I hope they get SEZ status during the BoA meeting on 22nd June, which could kick start the project.

As the figure is exact (989382), the master plan should be ready and hope they would kick start it ASAP. it would be great if we could find the plan anywhere...

-deleted-

The following picture shows the widened new jail road (even the platform has been created.. yet moving of the electric/telephone posts and laying of tar road needs to be done..)..
http://img479.imageshack.us/img479/3460/newjailroadxz3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

It appears to be kinda 4 laned...I think this is right opposite to the jail.. where ample of land was available for expansion.. Can anyone confirm on whether the road has been planned with the same width until the Madura Coats??

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1613/rudradev2020maduraipd1.jpg

http://www.elcot.in/it_parks_itbulidings.php?page_id=112

Here you go, rendering of the Rudradev IT park. Looks like a 8 storey building.

^^ It would be really great if the ground work for the Rudradev IT township and TIDEL park commense before the end of this year. If that happens the city would have 2 million sq.ft of IT/ITES office space in 2009, which could provide employment to more than 20,000 people. It looks like a big dream and i hope this dream comes true. Firstly for this dream to happen BoA must grant SEZ status to the above projects during the meeting on 22nd June.

This meeting assumes great importance for south TN as 3 projects from Madurai, 1 from Virudhunagar, and 1 from Tirunelveli will be seeking SEZ status. Let's keep fingers crossed and hope for the best.

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/1613/rudradev2020maduraipd1.jpg

http://www.elcot.in/it_parks_itbulidings.php?page_id=112

Here you go, rendering of the Rudradev IT park. Looks like a 8 storey building.

looks good.. but not ultra impressive..Anyways..good to know they have master plan in place and Elcot has issued NOC to it... i think they have to stick to 8 storeys as the location is nearer to airport...

We could expect higher building in ilandhaikulam..(where a tower model has been proposed..)

looks good.. but not ultra impressive..Anyways..good to know they have master plan in place and Elcot has issued NOC to it... i think they have to stick to 8 storeys as the location is nearer to airport...

We could expect higher building in ilandhaikulam..(where a tower model has been proposed..)

Will be this is the tallest building in Madurai ??

looks good.. but not ultra impressive..Anyways..good to know they have master plan in place and Elcot has issued NOC to it... i think they have to stick to 8 storeys as the location is nearer to airport...

We could expect higher building in ilandhaikulam..(where a tower model has been proposed..)

Rudradev IT park will be at a radius of more than 3.5 kms from the airport. So i dont think there will be any height restrictions. They have future plans for expansion to 5-7 million sq.ft built up space and we can expect taller buildings then.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Infotech/Software/Pentasoft_to_set_up_multiplexes_in_tier_II_cities/articleshow/2110146.cms

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/3631/ellisnagargk6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

At last the work on ellis nagar bridge has begun.. wish there are no other hurdles to this project....

I had recently been to madurai.. and had a chance to view the beginning of this bridge near the periyar busstand.. it is really too wide to accomodate 6 lane traffic.. they have nicely planned with future in mind..

At last the work on ellis nagar bridge has begun.. wish there are no other hurdles to this project....

I had recently been to madurai.. and had a chance to view the beginning of this bridge near the periyar busstand.. it is really too wide to accomodate 6 lane traffic.. they have nicely planned with future in mind..

Was there any interruption in the Ellis nagar bridge works in the recent past ?. I thought only the Sellur bridge had and currently has such problems. An article in Dinakaran says that the Ellis nagar bridge is expected to be completed only in January 2008.

Im really looking forward to see the completion of Ellis nagar bridge. As you pointed, the wide bridge(6 lane) with all those arms leading to different roads must be a great sight once completed. I hope they follow the same approach with future in mind on the proposed Palanganatham and Thiruparankundram bridges.

http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/3631/ellisnagargk6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

At last the work on ellis nagar bridge has begun.. wish there are no other hurdles to this project....

I had recently been to madurai.. and had a chance to view the beginning of this bridge near the periyar busstand.. it is really too wide to accomodate 6 lane traffic.. they have nicely planned with future in mind..


At last! its the central spot of Madurai. So far the traffic from eastern and western part of southern Madurai is in complete disarray due to this. Certainly the new new fly-over will become a landmark of Madurai.

Was there any interruption in the Ellis nagar bridge works in the recent past ?. I thought only the Sellur bridge had and currently has such problems. An article in Dinakaran says that the Ellis nagar bridge is expected to be completed only in January 2008.

Im really looking forward to see the completion of Ellis nagar bridge. As you pointed, the wide bridge(6 lane) with all those arms leading to different roads must be a great sight once completed. I hope they follow the same approach with future in mind on the proposed Palanganatham and Thiruparankundram bridges.

true..
From my observation, there should be no problem for the govt or NHAI to make the stretch from Palanganatham to Thirumangalam a 4 laned one... they have sufficient land on either side available for expansion.. i am wondering on why they are not taking this into consideration, given the heavy traffic on this stretch..

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/8777/0906siva062020clrdm7.jpg

Another view of construction works at Ellis nagar bridge. I feel the bridge is high enough to handle the electrification of railway lines.

The one thing which disturbs me is that the bridge will be ready only on January next year. Do they need 6 months just to complete the portion over the railway lines?.

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=140775&code=18698

true..
From my observation, there should be no problem for the govt or NHAI to make the stretch from Palanganatham to Thirumangalam a 4 laned one... they have sufficient land on either side available for expansion.. i am wondering on why they are not taking this into consideration, given the heavy traffic on this stretch..

Since NHAI is developing a new bypass from Samayanallur to Thoppur, i doubt wheather they would be interested in 4 laning between Palanganatham and Thoppur.

At Palanganatham there isn't enough space for expansion but once you go further then 4 laning shouldnt be a problem. Also what happened to the expansion of current bypass to 6 lane at a cost of 50 crore Rs ?.

Pentasoft to set up sport theme park complex in Madurai

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Infotech/Software/Pentasoft_to_set_up_multiplexes_in_tier_II_cities/articleshow/2110146.cms

Pentasoft to replicate `Mayajaal' theme park in MaduraiGrowth plan
Theme park planned in 5 centres in next 2-3 yrs.

Pentasoft Technologies is in the process of redefining its growth plan. The company is not only looking to expand the reach of its technical training centres but also striving to strengthen its position in the entertainment space.

The company plans to replicate its `Mayajaal' theme park in tier-II and tier-III cities. "`We plan to launch the PentaGraphics Mayajaal theme park with multiplex in Coimbatore, Bhubaneshwar, Madurai, Hyderabad and Mysore within the next two to three years.

The company has estimated the total investment on the expansion plans at Rs 100 crore, and plans to raise this through private equity. Mr Hari Haran said the announcement could be expected by end-October. Its equity base at present is Rs 200 crore.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/06/11/stories/2007061101801500.htm

Guys, any news about the four-lanning of Tuticorin-MDU NH 45B work. Any work started on it or project for now, lying idle?

Nice to see the model of RR township building.

God knows how long Ellis Nagar ROB will take to completion. Madurai-Dindigul MG line is not closed on June 10th unlike mentioned before. So, it's more bad news.

Jyas, NH-45B work has started long time ago and is going on ok, I guess. Only the Madurai-Tuticorin stretch hasn't started yet.

I am not sure if its a rumour or truth, but i keep hearing from people that a company has bought land for manufacturing auto ancillaries and accessories. The land has been acquired between MDU and Aruppukottai on the Madurai-Tuticorin NH. Madurai fanatic or madurai had also said something similar to the above earlier in the forum. Someone please confirm this news. I hope its not a rumour.

Sellur ROB construction resumes after a stoppage of more than a year

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/7452/12062007101012001ul3.jpg

District court to Mattuthavani 4 laning in full swing

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/5006/12062007102022001au8.jpg

Source : Dinamalar

Good to see some progress on four laning near Maattuthavani.

Madurai Veeran,
I think it's probably Madurai Fanatic who mentioned about the Auto ancillary unit, but I am not sure.
Is the Madurai SIPCOT going to be a paper SIPCOT like the Perundurai SIPCOT announced long time ago??

Few days back i read in hindu and now i find in dinakaran that CM will lay foundation stone for TIDEL park at Tirunelveli on June 17th. Thats a good news and hopefully after Madurai bypolls we can also hear similar news for Madurai.

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=142615&code=18357

TN government has allocated 70 crore Rs. for radial road project in Madurai. Under this project 123 kms of roads would be integrated and developed into radial roads. The list of roads to be covered under this project can be viewed in the link below. Tendering process has been completed and the project is expected to commense in mid July.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/14/103/14_06_2007_103_014.jpg

Tamil Nadu Rural and Small Industries Minister Pongalur N Palanisam said during 2007-08, the State Industrial Development Corporation (SIDCO) would set up industrial estates at Thiruvarur, Villupuram, Perambalur, Pollupalli-Krishnagiri, Oragadam-Kancheepuram, Kakkalur Phase-II-Thiruvallur, Sankagiri-Salem, Sedapatti-Madurai, Modakurichi-Erode and Bargur Part-II-Krishnagiri.

http://www.newkerala.com/news5.php?action=fullnews&id=38834

http://www.maalaimalar.com/asp/news/dis_news_article.asp?artid=207182

Guys..
the report in maalaimalar states that 'Sivaji' is gonna be released in Thangam Theatre..
is the theatre still operating?? does anyone know about this??
there was a news about GV films buying out this theater..right??

Can anyone from madurai confirm this...
Also is Tamil-Jaya a 2 theatre complex or it is a single theatre??

Good to hear about the radial road, SIDCO and Tidel Park projects. It will be nice if the TN government opens the Tidel Park or lays foundation at the least at Tirunelveli. Hope this project starts as a beginning to end the list of paper projects announced for Southern districts.

Guys..
the report in maalaimalar states that 'Sivaji' is gonna be released in Thangam Theatre..
is the theatre still operating?? does anyone know about this??
there was a news about GV films buying out this theater..right??

Can anyone from madurai confirm this...
Also is Tamil-Jaya a 2 theatre complex or it is a single theatre??

You have mistaken, Sivaji is going to be released in Thangam Parameswari theatre, Arappalayam. Thangam theater is non functional for many years and GV films had bought this complex for GV Studio City which will be a combination of multiplex, a star hotel and a shopping mall. Have they started any works for the GV studio city ?.

Tamil and Jaya are two theaters in the complex. This theater is located near reserve line on the new natham road.

New bypass - construction commenses at Nagamalai pudhukottai

The construction of 4 lane bypass between Samayanallur and Thanakanlulam was earlier delayed due to land acquisition issues at Samayanallur, N.Pudhukottai, Keezhakuyilkudi etc. Now with the problem already being solved, work has commensed.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/18/101/18_06_2007_101_003.jpg

Due to heavy traffic on the Aruppukottai road and Jaihindhpuram main road which lead to the airport, TN state highways has taken up an ambitious plan to create 2 new link roads to the airport. The two link roads will link Avaniyapuram-TVS nagar and Nilaiyur-Perungudi. This project will be implemented under the JNNURM. The project will be carried out in such a way that there is scope for 4 laning the road in the future.

For more : http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/19/101/19_06_2007_101_007.jpg

^^ Why 5 years for this project ?

I feel 5 years is too long for the project. In the above news article they mention 3 new link roads, does anyone know the approximate length of these stretches once completed ?.

Ring road to be re-aligned for airport expansion

AAI has planned for a expansion of Madurai airport and hence the ring road could be realigned for some distance. The AAI is planning to acquire land for a distance of 7 kms on the east end of the airport(near Koodal sengulam). The ring road between 15th and 17th km from mattuthavani bus stand could be cut off for a distance of 1km for this purpose. Hence the Madurai-Tuticorin vehicles will be diverted into the new kusavankundu road which is at the 12th km from mattuthavani. The vehicles would ply for a distance of 7kms on this road to reach the Tuticorin highway. NHAI has estimated the cost of 4 laning this stretch at 350 crore Rs. (7kms for 350 crore Rs.?, it could be the 12km+7km stretch)

4000 crore airport expansion plan ???

The report also tells some unbeleivable stuffs such as 4000 crore airport expansion has been planned and goes on to tell that current airport could be converted into a military airbase and new airport could be established at other location. I cannot beleive this report.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Article/2007/06/20/004/20_06_2007_004_004.jpg

^^

I think we should wait for more news on this. If the government is planning on the Aviation University and some possible MRO things, then only they will be investing such a huge amount to a place like Madurai. Also, I don't think there will be 2 airports. May be it's just one of the thoughts. I seriously doubt the possibility of the government spending Rs.4000 crores on Madurai airport.

Let them do the Rs.150 cr upgrade to the terminal and make it an international airport.

About the Airport expansion, its hard to believe such a big expansion but will be nice if it comes true.

Ring road to be re-aligned for airport expansion

AAI has planned for a expansion of Madurai airport and hence the ring road could be realigned for some distance. The AAI is planning to acquire land for a distance of 7 kms on the east end of the airport(near Koodal sengulam). The ring road between 15th and 17th km from mattuthavani bus stand could be cut off for a distance of 1km for this purpose. Hence the Madurai-Tuticorin vehicles will be diverted into the new kusavankundu road which is at the 12th km from mattuthavani. The vehicles would ply for a distance of 7kms on this road to reach the Tuticorin highway. NHAI has estimated the cost of 4 laning this stretch at 350 crore Rs. (7kms for 350 crore Rs.?, it could be the 12km+7km stretch)

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Article/2007/06/20/004/20_06_2007_004_004.jpg

Currently the expansion of runway is being carried out on the western side of the airport, from this above report its clear future runway expansion will be on the eastern end. I think the 350 cr would be for 4 laning the 12+7 kms of road which will link Melur road with Tuticorin road. NHAI has no other option but to 4 lane this stretch as its currently doing the same on the entire NH 45B from Trichy to Tuticorin.

I seriously doubt the 4000 cr airport expansion, lets wait for more news regarding it.

Why are the Madurai-Tuticorin and Dindigul-Samayanallur NHAI projects not started yet? Does anyone know?

Pushing the ring road away from the airport is a really good move as the highway is dangerously close to the runway.

Currently the expansion of runway is being carried out on the western side of the airport, from this above report its clear future runway expansion will be on the eastern end. I think the 350 cr would be for 4 laning the 12+7 kms of road which will link Melur road with Tuticorin road. NHAI has no other option but to 4 lane this stretch as its currently doing the same on the entire NH 45B from Trichy to Tuticorin.

I seriously doubt the 4000 cr airport expansion, lets wait for more news regarding it.

let them complete the runway expansion from 6000 ft to 7500 ft.. then we could dream about such an expansion..

Why are the Madurai-Tuticorin and Dindigul-Samayanallur NHAI projects not started yet? Does anyone know?

Here you go, looks like the Dindigul-Samayanallur NH7 4 laning is proceeding as per schedule. The report says that the project would be completed by Dec 2008. A mega bridge is being constructed near the dindigul collector office over a railway line. Bridges will be constructed at the Vathalagundu road junction and Palani road JN. Laying of bypass road near Kodai road and vedachandhur is currently progressing.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/21/108/21_06_2007_108_011.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4396/untitledxb6.png

Now its clear that MDU-Trichy, MDU-Dindigul, MDU-Virudhunagar 4 laning is progressing smoothly. It would be nice if someone in Madurai can say if the MDU-Tuticorin 4 laning works has started or not.

If the planned 4,000 crores Madurai airport expansion were to become a reality, perhaps, request AAI to stop all plans of major development of Trichy International Airport to be reviewed, and possibly, could remain as a domestic airport instead.

Hope to hear more detailed news on this matter soon, before would be local and foreign investors, could decide their investments at either Trichy or Madurai regions.

If the planned 4,000 crores Madurai airport expansion were to become a reality, perhaps, request AAI to stop all plans of major development of Trichy International Airport to be reviewed, and possibly, could remain as a domestic airport instead.

Hope to hear more detailed news on this matter soon, before would be local and foreign investors, could decide their investments at either Trichy or Madurai regions.

I am asking you once again, whats wrong in developing both the airports. At a time when metros are thinking of 2 airports, why not develop Madurai and Trichy airports into world class airports simultaneously. Madurai airport handles more than twice the amount of passengers handled by Trichy airport and hence deserves better infrastructure than Trichy, which is not the case now.

First Trichy and Madurai airports should become profit making airports then they can go for expansions. It looks AAI doesn't have any vision.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/03/22/stories/2006032201171900.htm

Traffic through Coimbatore airport increased by 34.4 per cent to 4.15 lakh, Tiruchi had a 12.5 per cent increase in traffic to 1.41 lakh passengers and Madurai had a 9.41 per cent increase to 1.30 lakh passengers.

Madurai and Tiruchi airports are loss making while Coimbatore airport is profit making, he said.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/05/19/stories/2006051900650700.htm

During the year, while Bangalore recorded a growth of 39.5 per cent in domestic passengers handled at 47.92 lakh (34.35 lakh), Chennai reported a growth of more than 29 per cent at 41.73 lakh (32.33 lakh).

Among the other southern airports, Coimbatore handled 5,59,133 domestic passengers recording a growth of 47.9 per cent, Tiruchi reported an increase of 21.9 per cent at 29,556 and Mangalore reported a growth of 13.6 per cent at 3,04,824.

In Kerala, while Cochin International Airport Ltd, reported a growth of 24 per cent in domestic passengers handled at 7,31,762 (5,90,054), Tiruvananthapuram reported a growth of 12.2 per cent at 3,22,597.

During the year, there was a growth of 27.9 per cent with all the airports having handled 5.1 crore domestic passengers up from 3.98 crore in 2004-05.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/03/22/stories/2006032201171900.htm

Traffic through Coimbatore airport increased by 34.4 per cent to 4.15 lakh, Tiruchi had a 12.5 per cent increase in traffic to 1.41 lakh passengers and Madurai had a 9.41 per cent increase to 1.30 lakh passengers.

:old:

We already have the latest traffic information for 2006-07 and its 2.66 lakh passengers at the Madurai airport, which is an increase of nearly 50% over the previous year.

http://www.airportsindia.org.in/traffic_news/mar2k7annex3.pdf


Madurai and Tiruchi airports are loss making while Coimbatore airport is profit making, he said.

You have made a good point here. With just 6000 feet runway which is not even capable of handling A320 without load penalty how can we expect profit from Madurai airport. Thats why im telling Madurai and Trichy airports need expansion. I would like to add one thing previously CBE airport was also loss making and it made profits only after runway and other expansions. Im sure after the completion of current expansions taking place at Madurai, it would also turn around to become profit making.

:old:

:cheers:

We already have the latest traffic information for 2006-07 and its 2.66 lakh passengers at the Madurai airport, which is an increase of nearly 50% over the previous year.

Just flashing the message doesn't work, show the link from AAI website. My prev message is of 2005-06 performance. I have provided the link for 2006(Apr)-2007(mar). If u c % then Trichy is better. Please see the number of passengers used the respective airports. (marked in Blue)

http://aai.aero/traffic_news/mar2k7annex3.pdf

Pls chk which airports has more than 50% growth and maximum usage.

fyi - Trichy and Madurai airports have reduced the loss margin but not yet profitable.

SL. NO. PASSENGERS (IN NOS.)
NO. AIRPORT For the month For the period April-March
MAR MAR % 2006-07 2005-06 %
2007 2006 Change Change

8 CUSTOM AIRPORTS
17 PUNE 142699 106991 33.4 1527938 905291 68.8
18 COIMBATORE 78055 58325 33.8 852239 559133 52.4
19 LUCKNOW 41694 35052 18.9 482537 430993 12.0
20 MANGALORE 35239 32291 9.1 449696 304824 47.5
21 VARANASI 36383 24507 48.5 317418 232365 36.6
22 PATNA 31159 20183 54.4 311171 218824 42.2
23 TRICHURAPALLI 4717 3912 20.6 54366 29556 83.9
24 GAYA 0 6 -100.0 0 71 -100.0
TOTAL 369946 281267 31.5 3995365 2681057 49.0
22 DOMESTIC AIRPORTS
25 VADODARA 37269 34269 8.8 404242 360489 12.1
26 JAMMU 63079 38089 65.6 473764 306385 54.6
27 INDORE 30481 25888 17.7 358496 272484 31.6
28 VISAKHAPATNAM 33725 25068 34.5 330894 239979 37.9
29 AGARTALA 29286 20916 40.0 324664 236970 37.0
30 BHUBANESWAR 41787 21593 93.5 350128 220084 59.1
31 UDAIPUR 25425 22731 11.9 236502 210030 12.6
32 BAGDOGRA 24934 20957 19.0 259058 207587 24.8
33 PORT BLAIR 55861 30090 85.6 504064 204375 146.6
34 MADURAI 26850 15898 68.9 265406 178824 48.4
35 BHOPAL 16290 12669 28.6 169131 147268 14.8
36 RAJKOT 12769 10887 17.3 160711 139982 14.8
37 AURANGABAD 15859 13840 14.6 170498 137388 24.1
38 RAIPUR 29153 14422 102.1 246038 135320 81.8
39 IMPHAL 25522 11674 118.6 214689 134701 59.4
40 CHANDIGARH 14541 11934 21.8 154705 130723 18.3
41 LEH 11398 10212 11.6 140609 122401 14.9
42 JUHU 11852 10846 9.3 137205 106973 28.3
43 DIBRUGARH 10493 9951 5.4 127485 104125 22.4
44 JODHPUR 13047 11281 15.7 107733 101765 5.9
45 RANCHI 16809 9761 72.2 145575 93508 55.7
46 SILCHAR 13105 6131 113.7 116590 81967 42.2



:cheers:

:old:

You have made a good point here. With just 6000 feet runway which is not even capable of handling A320 without load penalty how can we expect profit from Madurai airport. Thats why im telling Madurai and Trichy airports need expansion. I would like to add one thing previously CBE airport was also loss making and it made profits only after runway and other expansions. Im sure after the completion of current expansions taking place at Madurai, it would also turn around to become profit making.

Just now saw ur below message. Please see my first message, I mentioned "AAI doesn't have vision" regarding airports in TamilNadu. Kerala - a smaller state has 3 major (Kochi, Tvdm and Calicut) international airports but TN has only a major International airport (Chennai), Trichy with less Intl operations and Cbe with two Intl operations. :bash:

Here you go, looks like the Dindigul-Samayanallur NH7 4 laning is proceeding as per schedule. The report says that the project would be completed by Dec 2008. A mega bridge is being constructed near the dindigul collector office over a railway line. Bridges will be constructed at the Vathalagundu road junction and Palani road JN. Laying of bypass road near Kodai road and vedachandhur is currently progressing.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/21/108/21_06_2007_108_011.jpg


Now its clear that MDU-Trichy, MDU-Dindigul, MDU-Virudhunagar 4 laning is progressing smoothly. It would be nice if someone in Madurai can say if the MDU-Tuticorin 4 laning works has started or not.

Thanks for the update Madurai Veeran. Any idea about Virudhunagar-South work?

Thanks for the update Madurai Veeran. Any idea about Virudhunagar-South work?

I had a chance to go to Tiruvelveli from Madurai recently.. the four laning between madurai - virudhunagar and virudhunagar - tirunelveli have indeed progressed really well..
in most of the stretches, they have laid the new parallel 2 lane road and the traffic has been diverted in that road in order to upgrade the existing 2 lane road.. in fact, in some stretches the traffic was flowing in 4 lanes..
but all these stretches are between towns where there is barren land.. on the small villages/towns on the section, the works are at preliminary stage..

^^

Thats good to note. Thanks Madurai Fanatic for the update. Did you notice any major work on NH-7 Samayanallur Bypass at Thoppur?

The BoA has granted formal approval to Rudhradev IT Township and ELCOT's IT park at Ilandhaikulam. The board has granted in principle approval to the multi product SEZ to be promoted by TIDCO in Virudhunagar.

Developer, Location, State, Product, Area (hectares)

1. Rudradev Township Private Limited
Solankurini Village Madurai Taluk, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu
TN
IT/ITES
30.82

2. Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT)
Ilandhaikulam Village, Madurai North Taluk, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu
TN
IT/ITES
11.705

3. Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited
Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu
TN
Multi Product
1049


Im not sure what happened to the other IT park planned at Vadapalanji near MKU by ELCOT. I could not find it in the list, may be this proposal got deferred. But any way we can expect ELCOT and RR Industries to start with the TIDEL and IT park works before the end of this year.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=28769

^^

Thats good to note. Thanks Madurai Fanatic for the update. Did you notice any major work on NH-7 Samayanallur Bypass at Thoppur?

i didnt get a chance to go near to that section.. but from the aerial view which i got from the flight.. i could see that they have levelled the surface to few kms from thoppur..

The BoA has granted formal approval to Rudhradev IT Township and ELCOT's IT park at Ilandhaikulam. The board has granted in principle approval to the multi product SEZ to be promoted by TIDCO in Virudhunagar.

Developer, Location, State, Product, Area (hectares)

1. Rudradev Township Private Limited
Solankurini Village Madurai Taluk, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu
TN
IT/ITES
30.82

2. Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT)
Ilandhaikulam Village, Madurai North Taluk, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu
TN
IT/ITES
11.705

3. Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited
Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu
TN
Multi Product
1049


Im not sure what happened to the other IT park planned at Vadapalanji near MKU by ELCOT. I could not find it in the list, may be this proposal got deferred. But any way we can expect ELCOT and RR Industries to start with the TIDEL and IT park works before the end of this year.

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=28769

Does the vadapalanji area come under the Madurai west constituency.. in that case they would have deferred it due to the model code of conduct (it is applicable to central govt too..).
Regarding the multiproduct SEZ, i thnk they have given in principle approval as the land is not yet in possession... Hope they find a land between sattur and virudhunagar which is closer to NH-45B.. which would place the SEZ in between the Madurai Airport and Tuticorin Port...

i didnt get a chance to go near to that section.. but from the aerial view which i got from the flight.. i could see that they have levelled the surface to few kms from thoppur..

I am assuming that you flew to or from Madurai airport recently. Any updates on the runway expansion or the terminal facilities there?


Regarding Vadapalanji, my guess is that it could be under Tirupparankundram constituency.

Regarding the multiproduct SEZ, i thnk they have given in principle approval as the land is not yet in possession... Hope they find a land between sattur and virudhunagar which is closer to NH-45B.. which would place the SEZ in between the Madurai Airport and Tuticorin Port...

You are right, the location of the SEZ would be very important. I hope they dont make the same mistake as was with the case of Nanguneri. The Nanguneri SEZ would have taken off already if it was on the Tuticorin-Tirunelveli highway.

Coming to the Virudhunagar SEZ, i feel it should be located closer to Virudhunagar on the NH7. This would be an ideal location as Madurai airport via road and Tuticorin port via road and rail will be easily accessible,This being a multi product SEZ, being closer to NH 45B would be a disadvantage as there is no railway line running parallel for connectivity to Tuticorin.

NHAI has temporarily stopped phase III of ring road connecting Uthangudi to Samayanallur (18kms) due to land acquisition problems. Farmers in this stretch have demanded more compensation for their lands. Hence NHAI has decided to stop this project until the villagers agree for a amicable solution.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/25/102/25_06_2007_102_004.jpg

I was hoping this project would start before the end of this year but now it seems that this 4 lane ring road project could take much more time. :ohno:

CHENNAI: The Railway Board has cleared doubling of the Villupuram–Dindigul broad gauge section and the project proposal has been sent to the Planning Commission for approval.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/26/stories/2007062655320400.htm

CHENNAI: The Railway Board has cleared doubling of the Villupuram–Dindigul broad gauge section and the project proposal has been sent to the Planning Commission for approval.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/26/stories/2007062655320400.htm

It has taken the Railway board so many years to clear doubling of Villupuram-Dindigul section. Im wondering how long it will take for the planning commission to approve it and actually the project to take off. I would be surprised and very happy if the railways complete this project in less than 4 years.

Finally the MDU-Dindigul metre guage section has been closed to intensify the broad gauge doubling process. If everything goes well this project would be ready by next summer. The Railways by then would be starting with the MDU-Trichy electrification. Does the railways plan for electrification include the MDU-Dindigul double line or just single line ?.

I am assuming that you flew to or from Madurai airport recently. Any updates on the runway expansion or the terminal facilities there?


Regarding Vadapalanji, my guess is that it could be under Tirupparankundram constituency.

I could see few ppl working on the new runway stretch... apart from that there were no big changes happening there... I wonder when they would complete the airport expansion works...

^^

Thanks Madurai Fanatic for the update. Looks like we have to wait a long time for the completion of present work.

Picture of Koodal Nagar ROB,

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/26/104/26_06_2007_104_009.jpg

Thoppur Under Pass, as part of the Samayanallur Bypass,

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/26/104/26_06_2007_104_001.jpg

Does the vadapalanji area come under the Madurai west constituency.. in that case they would have deferred it due to the model code of conduct (it is applicable to central govt too..).

You are correct, from the following news its clear that the IT SEZ proposal at Vadapalanji was not considered by the BoA on 22nd June due to model code of conduct.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/26/004/26_06_2007_004_001.jpg

Chennai, June 26: The Centre will set up an office of the External Affairs Ministry in the city in August, the first one outside New Delhi.


External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has informed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, in a letter dated June 15, 2007, that the office would function in the premises of Tamil Nadu Textbooks Corporation here, an official release said here today.


The Ministry had also identified a place to set up a new passport office in Madurai, which would start functioning in September this year.


Mukherjee had also informed Karunanidhi that a building had been identified to set up a passport office in Coimbatore and the new office would start functioning this year end after the renovation of the building, the release said.


The Minister's letter was in response to Karunanidhi's letter dated June nine, requesting him to set up the Ministry's office in the city, in addition to establishing two new passport offices in Madurai and Coimbatore, the release added.(Our Correspondent)


http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7BB9D268BB-ACC1-4D9F-898C-5F163B21EFA3%7D&CATEGORYNAME=Chennai

TIRUPUR: Union Minister of State for Textiles E.V.K.S. Elangovan on Tuesday said that hi-tech powerloom weaving parks at Kumarapalayam, Madurai and Karur would be ready by a month, and added that the Palladam hi-tech weaving park would start full production in six months.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/27/stories/2007062754040500.htm

What does he mean by ready in a month ?. I havent heard any news on this project for a while now, so i believe it could mean that the real ground work for execution of the project would commense in a months time.

Here is some information i found regarding the hi-tech parks planned/under development in TN.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/8726/textileparkgv7.jpg

http://texmin.nic.in/progress_sitp.pdf

The Madurai hi-tech park looks promising on paper, hope central govt established it ASAP.

A. Chandramouli, MD, Sashwath Constructions: “Investments to the tune of Rs.500 crore may come in the wake of emergence of IT parks

Madurai: Temple City residents have never been in haste to accept any new concept sans weighing its pros and cons. Unlike other major cities, Madurai still accords paramount importance to cultural and traditional values.

In an era of urbanisation, it is slowly getting clad in a concrete costume like Chennai and Coimbatore. As almost every inch of space is occupied in the heart of the city, the peripheries have struck the eyes of realtors. And more so, the flat promoters.

15 years ago

The apartment culture started roughly 15 years back when the first complex came up opposite Fatima College. Today, a number of flats have come up in different parts with S.S. Colony, Chockikulam, Bibikulam and Anna Nagar being the hotspots for these ‘multi-deckers.’

“It is because of the availability of basic amenities, drinking water and drainage facilities,” says A. Chandramouli, Managing Director, Sashwath Constructions. But, according to S. Seetharaman, Managing Director, Viswas Promoters, “it is due to high land cost.”

As regards the purchasers, a major chunk of customers are in the age group of 30 to 40 years, who are mostly middle income or upper middle income groups, which high income groups prefer individual houses put up by promoters. Almost 90 per cent go for housing loans from Rs.10 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh, says S. Kingsly, Resident Manager, HDFC.

Investments

Flat promoters expect a major inflow of investments in the event of emergence of IT parks in Madurai, as many of their counterparts in major cities are looking towards Madurai for their new projects.

What has proved to be major threat to both buyers and the sellers is the skyrocketing of prices of construction materials, coupled with a steep revision of bank interest rates.

“This has hit the trade hard and the business has come down by 30 to 40 per cent,” say promoters, who look to Government for some mechanism to arrest the situation.

As the rapid pace of modernisation is felt here, Madurai too is afflicted with the ‘metropolitan multi-decker mania.’

http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/28/stories/2007062857540300.htm

It will be nice to see more and more apartments coming up, but mainly with more amenities and not just the multi-storey buildings.

TN government's Information and Religious Endowments department secretary Rajendran informed that the department had handed over 50 acres of land for developing an IT park in Madurai.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/29/012/29_06_2007_012_025.jpg

TN government's Information and Religious Endowments department secretary Rajendran informed that the department had handed over 50 acres of land for developing an IT park in Madurai.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/29/012/29_06_2007_012_025.jpg

Is it for another IT park or for the already proposed ones?

Is it for another IT park or for the already proposed ones?

Land for the already proposed two IT parks by ELCOT and one IT park by RR Industries are already in their possession , so it could be for a new one. Until there is more information on this i wouldnt take this news seriously. Previously there were news that corporation had alotted some land under its possession for an IT park but then there was no further news about it.

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/2241/29062007159022001ni6.jpg

Air Deccan is planning to replace ATR-72 with A320 for it's evening flight between Madurai and Chennai, as per today's Dinamalar news.

http://www.dinamalar.com/2007july02/district/madurai.asp

--------------------
This is definitely a good sign. It is as good as another ATR flight. I hope they introduce a Mumbai-Bangalore-Madurai A320 as promised before.

^^

This flight will be from July 10th, as per the following report in Tamil. It looks like the flight timings mentioned in this report are different.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/07/02/004/02_07_2007_004_005.jpg

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/07/02/004/02_07_2007_004_005.jpg

Which place is identified to set up a new passport office in Madurai.

^^
I think it's somewhere near the Reserve Line area, as per some reports few months ago.

Which place is identified to set up a new passport office in Madurai.

The passport office is coming up on the link road connecting Alagarkoil road and new Natham road.

The Palanganatham ROB would be in such a way that it integrates Jaihindpuram, T.V.S nagar, Palanganatham bus stand road, Bypass road, Kanyakumari road and T.P.K road. Since MDU corporation has plans for new link road to airport from Palanganatham via Jaihindpuram, Jeeva nagar, Alagappan nagar, Avaniyapuram bypass road, state highways dept is planning to also rope in corporation into this ROB project.

The 15 crore ROB project at Thiruparamkundram is waiting for railways approval.

Source : Dinamalar

Im really looking forward to the under construction Ellis nagar ROB and the above proposed one. They both when completed would look massive.

Children’s science park coming up in Madurai

It will display 25 exhibits
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project to cost Rs. 10 lakh
To be set up around planetarium building
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MADURAI: The Government has cleared a Rs.10-lakh-project to establish a ‘Children’s Science Park’ on the Madurai Kamaraj University campus here.
Students of city schools will be able to learn, feel and enjoy science through the exhibits, which will be provided by Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre, Chennai.
While formal clearance for this park came last week, engineers from the Science and Technology Centre visited the varsity on Friday to draw up a blue print.
Extension
The park is an extension of the proposed planetarium project at the MKU, which for many months remained a non-starter. “Since the planetarium project is yet to take-off due to some delays, the Government wanted to do something for science.
So it included a science park for children in the original proposal and wanted to start with that,” said V. Ramakrishnan, coordinator for planetarium project and faculty member in the School of Physics at MKU.
Work to start soon
Varsity authorities are expecting the construction work to start soon and that it would not meet the same delays like the planetarium. The park, coming up around the existing planetarium building, would have 25 science exhibits based on physics.
According to Dr. Ramakrishnan, the science park clearance came through the efforts of Madurai Member of Parliament, P. Mohan, who took up the issue with the Government.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/03/stories/2007070351140800.htm

Air Deccan is planning to replace ATR-72 with A320 for it's evening flight between Madurai and Chennai, as per today's Dinamalar news.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/07/02/004/02_07_2007_004_005.jpg

This is definitely a good sign. It is as good as another ATR flight.

It is clear from the following link that air deccan will withdraw its evening ATR service between MDU-Chennai w.e.f 10th July. No concrete news yet on replacement of this with A320 flights. In the flight schedules page it is mentioned that there will be 2 flight services as usual to Chennai, so we can most probably expect A320 service.

http://www.flyairdeccan.net/withdrawnflights.htm

Madurai airport traffic statistics

April 2007

Category - April 07(06) - % change

Aircraft movement - 598(372) - 60.8
Passengers - 31,080(18,577) - 67.3
Freight(in Ton) - 53(35) - 51.4

http://www.airportsindia.org.in/traffic_news/april2k7_trafficnews.jsp

I heard from people that there was utter chaos at the terminal building due to lack of space, and chairs in the waiting hall. Passenger traffic increasing at nearly 70 percent for the past few months has clearly indicated the need for new terminal building very soon.

The Palanganatham ROB would be in such a way that it integrates Jaihindpuram, T.V.S nagar, Palanganatham bus stand road, Bypass road, Kanyakumari road and T.P.K road. Since MDU corporation has plans for new link road to airport from Palanganatham via Jaihindpuram, Jeeva nagar, Alagappan nagar, Avaniyapuram bypass road, state highways dept is planning to also rope in corporation into this ROB project.

The 15 crore ROB project at Thiruparamkundram is waiting for railways approval.

Source : Dinamalar

Im really looking forward to the under construction Ellis nagar ROB and the above proposed one. They both when completed would look massive.

It appears that railway board has sanctioned for both the bridges few months ago...
http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/23/stories/2007032321700500.htm

It is clear from the following link that air deccan will withdraw its evening ATR service between MDU-Chennai w.e.f 10th July. No concrete news yet on replacement of this with A320 flights. In the flight schedules page it is mentioned that there will be 2 flight services as usual to Chennai, so we can most probably expect A320 service.

http://www.flyairdeccan.net/withdrawnflights.htm

Madurai airport traffic statistics



http://www.airportsindia.org.in/traffic_news/april2k7_trafficnews.jsp

I heard from people that there was utter chaos at the terminal building due to lack of space, and chairs in the waiting hall. Passenger traffic increasing at nearly 70 percent for the past few months has clearly indicated the need for new terminal building very soon.


Yeah, the replacement doesn't seem to be there yet. It's shown as "Sold Out" if you try to book a flight after 10th July. It's not there in the list of sectors with new Air Bus from July 10th or July 26th.

I expected the Chaos in the terminal as it is too small for the number of flights/passengers using it. God knows how long it will take for starting the work on this.

Yeah, the replacement doesn't seem to be there yet. It's shown as "Sold Out" if you try to book a flight after 10th July. It's not there in the list of sectors with new Air Bus from July 10th or July 26th.

I expected the Chaos in the terminal as it is too small for the number of flights/passengers using it. God knows how long it will take for starting the work on this.

only the new sectors have been shown in the website.. there is nothing from chennai in that..
regarding madurai-chennai flight.. the flight number has changed to DN117/118 and the timings have also changed.. we will know for sure in a week's time..

^^

I think so too. A lot of ATR sectors are getting upgraded to A320 sectors I guess. I feel that it's a significant step as far as Madurai is concerned. Hoping to see Mumbai-Bangalore-Madurai A320 Air Deccan in the near future.

Children’s science park coming up in Madurai

It will display 25 exhibits
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Project to cost Rs. 10 lakh
To be set up around planetarium building
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MADURAI: The Government has cleared a Rs.10-lakh-project to establish a ‘Children’s Science Park’ on the Madurai Kamaraj University campus here.
Students of city schools will be able to learn, feel and enjoy science through the exhibits, which will be provided by Tamil Nadu Science and Technology Centre, Chennai.
While formal clearance for this park came last week, engineers from the Science and Technology Centre visited the varsity on Friday to draw up a blue print.
Extension
The park is an extension of the proposed planetarium project at the MKU, which for many months remained a non-starter. “Since the planetarium project is yet to take-off due to some delays, the Government wanted to do something for science.
So it included a science park for children in the original proposal and wanted to start with that,” said V. Ramakrishnan, coordinator for planetarium project and faculty member in the School of Physics at MKU.
Work to start soon
Varsity authorities are expecting the construction work to start soon and that it would not meet the same delays like the planetarium. The park, coming up around the existing planetarium building, would have 25 science exhibits based on physics.
According to Dr. Ramakrishnan, the science park clearance came through the efforts of Madurai Member of Parliament, P. Mohan, who took up the issue with the Government.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/03/stories/2007070351140800.htm

It's nice to note this. But, why on earth is the Planetarium project getting delayed?

Look over the site "www.venturemadurai.com"

convey the suggestions

describe some information about MRO facility.....

Hi Madurai Friends,

Its really nice to see the projects of our city being discussed here.

But what I have been noticing is, you are discussing only about the airport operations one after the other. One person tells Singapore flight will fly. And another person responding saying 'yes.. its good'.. and it goes on like this.

this gives a kind of redundancy to the readers.

the same thing is happening in trichy thread also. in trichy thread its even worse.. the thread is going only with the repeated discussion on lankan airline, malaysian airlines etc...

there is nothing worth being discussed either in trichy or madurai thread.

but the discussion in the threads for coimbatore and salem are going very much healthy.. they discuss more of happening activities, where as we discuss more of assumptions about flight operations.

Memebers, please start contributing on the projects instead of repeatedly discussing flight operations.

let me know if there are any concerns to my opinion.

-Madurai

I think you havent followed this thread propertly. We have had all kinds of projects and discussions including that of the airport related once here. I would say its better you first read through the threads related to Madurai, since you are a novice . Lets leave this discussion here, looking forward rather to your valuable contributions.

Traffic Signal & speed breakers in Andalpuram following accidents that claimed 3 lives

http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/4007/0407bala01fff20bwrp4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I agree with Madurai Veeran. Even this page has a variety of discussions on Planetarium, Science Park, Flights, ROB etc., If you look at all the threads, there are discussions about projects like IT Parks, Apartments, Railway projects, Road projects etc., It will be nice to see if you can also give more information on projects and we can certainly have discussions on it.

Copter service to link Madurai with Rameswaram, Coimbatore, Kodaikanal, Palani and Kanyakumari

CHENNAI: As part of its efforts to introduce “Heli-tourism” in a big way, the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) has decided to collaborate with Pawan Hans Helicopters to introduce regular helicopter services between Madurai and Rameswaram and Madurai and Coimbatore.

Giving details of the new initiative after holding the first review meeting of “Heli-Tourism” at the TTDC office, the State Tourism Minister, N. Suresh Rajan, told The-Hindu that in the first phase, it has been agreed to launch 5-seater helicopter services between Madurai and Rameswaram and between Madurai and Coimbatore from the first week of October.

The introduction of helicopter services would provide a fillip to the tourism industry in the State and help attract more overseas tourists by providing convenient links to the major carriers operating out of Madurai.

In the second phase, plans are afoot to link Madurai with Kodaikanal and Coimbatore with Udhagamandalam and start operations from Chennai. Detailed plans have also been chalked out with another Thiruvananthapuram-based operator to operate flights to Kanyakumari and also to Palani. The TTDC would enlist the support of the major air carriers operating out of Madurai to ensure that their services provided convenient connections to the proposed heli-tourism flights.

The Tamil Nadu Government would go all out to secure the necessary clearances from the Central Government, especially the Civil Aviation, the Union Home, the Union Environmental and the Union Tourism Ministries before October.

Tentative tariff

The Minister said while the estimated cost for per hour flying had been quoted as Rs.50,000, the tentative tariff to cover the 45-minute journey between Madurai and Rameswaram per passenger would be Rs.7,506 and for the 35-minute journey to connect Madurai and Kodaikanal would be Rs.5,838.

The PHHL Deputy General Manager (Marketing), Sanjay Kumar, said the company wanted the State Tourism Department to include helicopter services in the tour packages offered by the TTDC, arrange for ticketing and handling services of passengers, besides expediting construction of new helipads at Kodaikanal and Rameswaram and secure permission to use the Madurai airport to commence operations from there. The first meeting was attended by the State Tourism and Culture Secretary Incharge, T.S. Sridhar, the Information Technology Secretary, C. Chandramouli, Additional Secretary Public Department, Kumar Jayanth, the Director of Tourism and Managing Director of TTDC, M. Rajaram, and two Members of Parilament, Mr. P. Mohan (Madurai) and Mr. A.V.Bellarmin (Nagercoil).

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/05/stories/2007070552600400.htm

I hope atleast they start by October and do not delay as before. If everything goes well from the above report it seems Madurai would become the hub of Tourism industry in TN.

I think you havent followed this thread propertly. We have had all kinds of projects and discussions including that of the airport related once here. I would say its better you first read through the threads related to Madurai, since you are a novice . Lets leave this discussion here, looking forward rather to your valuable contributions.

well, y on earth I am going to comment without reading the thread completely.
I have read the thread, and other previous ones completely. and i very well know that there had been discussions going on various other project activities. but what i notice is there had been unnecessary discussions going on about the airport, on days when there are no project news worthy to be posted.
It gave me an illusion that members are unnecessarily discussing the airport stuff (like a mega serial) just to keep the thread on top. i dont think its necessary to do so because we will definitely get some good news on the next day. (puli pathunguvathu paaya than). there may be different opinions from different members. but what is the use in discussing the same stuff again and again?

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Photographs/2007/07/05/104/05_07_2007_104_008_001.jpg

Looks like the progress is a bit slow.

Show some more information about the MRO facility......

very useful to the puplic by collecting current news & upcoming activities in Madurai. We have launched the venture madurai "venturemadurai.com" site , look over it and convey the suggestions regarding the site....

^^

This site should give you an idea about MRO.

http://www.airtransportpubs.com/index.php

Your site looks good.

Air Deccan has replaced its 72-seater ATR-72 aircraft with the 180-seater Airbus A-320 on Chennai- Madurai and Chennai-Coimbatore segments. It has also introduced an additional ATR-72 flight from Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram in the evening "making it convenient for business travellers seeking day return flights," says a press release from the airline. The new flights will commence on July 10. "Air Deccan has on offer more than 2.5 lakh seats per month in South India alone and has a 40 per cent share of the market in terms of seats offered," says the release. - Our Bureau

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/07/08/stories/2007070851160302.htm

well, y on earth I am going to comment without reading the thread completely.
I have read the thread, and other previous ones completely. and i very well know that there had been discussions going on various other project activities. but what i notice is there had been unnecessary discussions going on about the airport, on days when there are no project news worthy to be posted.
It gave me an illusion that members are unnecessarily discussing the airport stuff (like a mega serial) just to keep the thread on top. i dont think its necessary to do so because we will definitely get some good news on the next day. (puli pathunguvathu paaya than). there may be different opinions from different members. but what is the use in discussing the same stuff again and again?

Hi Madurai, madurai veeran and fanof madurai,

Im a silent reader of all madurai thread for a long time, at present in chennai... As i observed guys are discussing about all the development around madurai. I agree airport stuff somewhat lengthy but Air port development and good air transportation for madurai is very very important. Multinational companies are hesitating to enter madurai due to poor links with indian metro cities and major abroad cities. Madurai people are not much aware of airport development, those who are away from madurai(but madurai-native) they are suffering to reach madurai by air quickly.

http://i10.tinypic.com/4qx55so.jpg

Self deleted

If things go fine, it would be started in 2 years.. with a 300 - bed hospital..
Project cost: Rs.150 Crores..

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/09/stories/2007070958950300.htm

^^

That's a wonderful news. There were other reports mentioning about another Medical College in Pasumalai long time ago. Also, there were reports about a Dental college. Hope to see atleast this college materialize soon.

If things go fine, it would be started in 2 years.. with a 300 - bed hospital..
Project cost: Rs.150 Crores..

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/09/stories/2007070958950300.htm

No. of medical colleges in TN compared to other southern states is less. It is still inadequate in south TN.

So TN govt should give NOC for this college without any blocking and it should also encourage private medical colleges.

I am surprised why chettiyar groups are not starting a medical college at Karaikudi

Air Deccan has replaced its 72-seater ATR-72 aircraft with the 180-seater Airbus A-320 on Chennai- Madurai and Chennai-Coimbatore segments. It has also introduced an additional ATR-72 flight from Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram in the evening "making it convenient for business travellers seeking day return flights," says a press release from the airline. The new flights will commence on July 10. "Air Deccan has on offer more than 2.5 lakh seats per month in South India alone and has a 40 per cent share of the market in terms of seats offered," says the release. - Our Bureau

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2007/07/08/stories/2007070851160302.htm

It definitely means Srilankan Airlines could also operate is Airbus 320 flights to Madurai.. It has been doing in the past to Tiruchi with 6100 ft length runway (compare it against the one in Madurai which is 6000 ft length.. I dont feel 100 ft is a big deal..)..
AAI, politicians have always quoted this "reason" of "length of Runway" to pacify ppl for the non-starter of International Operations...

I believe they are hesitant to start the international operations as the current Airport building will not be able to handle Customs & Immigration (from my recent visit, I felt the airport to be too small yet well maintained..)..
Atleast, they could state this reason which is agreeable and pace up the construction of new terminal building..
I dont believe International flights touching down unless there is a new building..

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/07/10/101/10_07_2007_101_010.jpg

Picture and News, courtesy Dinamalar.

New artificial tracks are not being utilized for want of inauguration.

Hi Madurai Friends,

Its really nice to see the projects of our city being discussed here.

But what I have been noticing is, you are discussing only about the airport operations one after the other. One person tells Singapore flight will fly. And another person responding saying 'yes.. its good'.. and it goes on like this.

this gives a kind of redundancy to the readers.

the same thing is happening in trichy thread also. in trichy thread its even worse.. the thread is going only with the repeated discussion on lankan airline, malaysian airlines etc...

there is nothing worth being discussed either in trichy or madurai thread.

but the discussion in the threads for coimbatore and salem are going very much healthy.. they discuss more of happening activities, where as we discuss more of assumptions about flight operations.

Memebers, please start contributing on the projects instead of repeatedly discussing flight operations.

let me know if there are any concerns to my opinion.

-Madurai

Dear FanOfMadurai.. no offense intended... yet, i could not agree to you on the fact that Salem and Coimbatore threads do not have any unnecessary discussions.. The most recent worthless discussion..(heated argument, rather) was on how many theaters "sivaji" movie was released.. i dont see anything "healthy" on that.. the forum is for the forumers to express their opinions and something might appear useless to you.. which might not be the case for others...

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/11/stories/2007071159310300.htm

State Govt. interested in Chennai - Madurai High Speed Train..

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/11/stories/2007071159310300.htm

Cost estimate Rs.35000..


I can do nothing but :lol: at this.. The double laning itself is facing so many hurdles and delays.. we could expect the HST to be operational in another 200 - 300 years.. when this would be the only section leftover in Indian Railways without HST..

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/11/stories/2007071159310300.htm

Just giving some more text from that link.....


Integrated rake maintenance line launched at railway station


NEW FACILITY: Southern Railway General Manager Thomas Varghese inaugurating a new pitline in Madurai on Tuesday.

MADURAI: The Southern Railway General Manager, Thomas Varghese, inaugurated an integrated rake maintenance line on the railway station premises here on Tuesday.

According to railway sources, the integrated rake maintenance line would be a new design pitline that could handle 26-coach trains for electrical and mechanical repairs/maintenance. This would be the third pitline in Madurai station.

Mr. Varghese also launched the Railnet Computer Training Centre of the Southern Railway Women’s Welfare Organisation. He opened a new record room for the Accounts Department in the Divisional Office.

The Divisional Railway Manager, Hemant Kumar, the Additional Divisional Railway Manager, M. Suyambulingam, and other senior railway officials were present.

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

This project has been going on for a looooooooong time and it's good that it has been completed atlast, in time for the Madurai-Rameswaram trains. Hope to see them starting the next Pit-Line work(already approved) soon.

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

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/1172007/DSC_2421_From%20Jp-clr.jpg

Picture, courtesy Dinakaran.

State Govt. interested in Chennai - Madurai High Speed Train..

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/11/stories/2007071159310300.htm

Cost estimate Rs.35000..


I can do nothing but :lol: at this.. The double laning itself is facing so many hurdles and delays.. we could expect the HST to be operational in another 200 - 300 years.. when this would be the only section leftover in Indian Railways without HST..

Hi,
This link has the message about the new Pit Line and I could see nothing about the High Speed line. Anyways, the talk about such hi-speed lines when they can't do a simple doubling is all waste.

Hi,
This link has the message about the new Pit Line and I could see nothing about the High Speed line. Anyways, the talk about such hi-speed lines when they can't do a simple doubling is all waste.

This was the one Madurai_Fanatic had mentioned earlier..
http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/11/stories/2007071160631000.htm


High speed trains: joint venture mooted

Special Correspondent





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

Discussions held with the Chief Secretaries of

Tamil Nadu, Kerala

Rs. 35,000 crore needed to operate such trains between Chennai and Madurai


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


MADURAI: The Railway Board is looking at a joint venture with State Governments for operating high-speed trains (HSTs) on select routes.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad had announced plans to run trains at a speed of 350 kmph in the budget.

“Since the cost involved will be very high, we are seriously considering a joint venture with the Governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. High-level discussions have been held with the Chief Secretaries of both the States. Operation of HSTs require an independent and elevated track,” Southern Railway General Manager, Thomas Varghese, said here on Tuesday.

While the Railways proposed the Chennai-Kochi sector, the Tamil Nadu Government evinced interest in the Chennai-Madurai route. The Kerala Chief Minister suggested HSTs between Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore. “These are major projects which the Railways cannot fund. We may require Rs. 35,000 crore to operate HSTs between Chennai and Madurai,” Mr. Varghese said.

Double BG line

He said a proposal to lay double broad gauge line with electrification between Chengalpattu and Tirunelveli at a cost of Rs. 1,600 crore had been sent to the Railway Board for approval. A sum of Rs. 836 crore had been allocated for gauge conversion and gauge doubling projects in the zone this year.

“If this quantum of fund allocation continues, we will be able to achieve complete broad gauge in Southern Railway in three years. However, the Mettupalayam-Udhagamandalam Nilgiris Mountain Railway line will continue as a heritage route.”

Almost all metre gauge sections in the zone, except the Madurai-Bodi line, had been cleared for conversion. At least six sections, including the Dindigul-Madurai, Podanur-Coimbator and Karaikudi-Manamadurai, would be converted this year (2007-08).

United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi was likely to inaugurate the newly converted Manamadurai-Rameswaram section, he said.

Thanks Madhan for the news. Hope the railways approve the Chord line doubling upto CAPE/Tuticorin which will cost them a fraction of the cost of such dream projects.

Hi Madurai, madurai veeran and fanof madurai,

Im a silent reader of all madurai thread for a long time, at present in chennai... As i observed guys are discussing about all the development around madurai. I agree airport stuff somewhat lengthy but Air port development and good air transportation for madurai is very very important. Multinational companies are hesitating to enter madurai due to poor links with indian metro cities and major abroad cities. Madurai people are not much aware of airport development, those who are away from madurai(but madurai-native) they are suffering to reach madurai by air quickly.

True Jawahar. Even many IT companies were hesitant to start their shop in Madurai due to lack of flight connectivities. Even now, there is only good connections to Chennai. Madurai still needs better services to Bangalore and Mumbai at the least.

Btw, why do you want to be a silent reader? You can get into the discussions and share your thoughts and news with us.

Dear FanOfMadurai.. no offense intended... yet, i could not agree to you on the fact that Salem and Coimbatore threads do not have any unnecessary discussions.. The most recent worthless discussion..(heated argument, rather) was on how many theaters "sivaji" movie was released.. i dont see anything "healthy" on that.. the forum is for the forumers to express their opinions and something might appear useless to you.. which might not be the case for others...

Dear Madurai_Fanatic,

That discussion on 'Sivaji' was to show-case the business worth more than 5 crores. A considerable amount of money from these crores would be paid as Tax to the government, which can be considered as income. When we discuss about leading players building multiplexes across the cities, I do not see anything wrong in discussing the business that some movies do in the cinema halls. Even in this thread there had been discussions about some theatres in Madurai. And that discussion was not going for many days. I am not coming to say anything bad about the airport discussions in this thread, as I know its very important that those issues are discussed.

Madurai airport raring to go international

MADURAI: The city has seen a sudden surge in air traffic, a whopping 82.3 percent growth, way ahead of all the other 11 airports in the four states of southern region from April 2006 to March 2007.

While industry analysts attribute this to the emergence of Madurai as a favourite destination for IT investors after Bangalore and Chennai, the AAI is in the process of equipping the airport with facilities which will take it to the next level of development - an international airport.

Currently, Madurai-bound international passengers continue to undergo the hardship of having to go via Tiruchy or Chennai.

Nevertheless, the AAI has kicked off a Rs 70-crore short-term augmentation project, which involves increasing the length of the runway to 9,000 feet, expansion of aprons to accommodate four aircraft and linking of the terminal building for baggage clearance. In addition, an integrated terminal building will be constructed, said K Ramalingam, regional executive director, Southern Region, AAI.

This will enable the authority to equip the airport to meet further increase in passenger and aircraft traffic necessiated by IT investments. The AAI had also asked for 500 acres from the State Government to extend the runway as the already available space was used to the maximum, he added.

As the airport caters to the needs of residents of Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Theni, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts, there have been demands to start international services, especially to Gulf countries and South East Asia.

http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IET20070711044509&Page=T&Title=Southern+News+-+Tamil+Nadu&Topic=0

I hope they dont face any problem like in Chennai, CBE and Trichy in acquiring land. I would be happy if they implement the above mentioned projects rather than just make announcements. What happened to the runway expansion, wasn't it supposed to be completed this month ?. I heard from people that blacktopping of runway was currently progressing and they could smell the tar, they weren't in a position to further explain in detail. At this rate i think they will take another 2 or 3 months to commision the runway for operation.

Even many IT companies were hesitant to start their shop in Madurai due to lack of flight connectivities. Even now, there is only good connections to Chennai. Madurai still needs better services to Bangalore and Mumbai at the least.

You are right, just a single flight to Bangalore(IT capital) and Mumbai(financial capital) will not do good for the economic development of the region. The only thing we can look forward in the near future is a paramount airlines flight to Bangalore and Air Deccan's A320 flight to Mumbai via Bangalore. Both these have been promised by these airlines and i hope they materialise soon.

ADLABS in Madurai!

Madurai is also in the list where ADLABS is going to set its multiplex, along with Salem and Vellore.

An advertisement in a website for the post of Theatre Manager in these cities can be found in

http://www.bixee.com/redir?q=Recruitment&l=&e=&jid=2054433&pg=1&pos=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fcorp.naukri.com%2Fmynaukri%2Fmn_newminnernew.php%3Ffilename%3D030707000867%26othersrcp%3D2314%26searchloc%3Dbixeefeeds

They have acquired land for this project in Salem, which will be a Reliance shopping Mall -cum- ADLABS multiplex.

Any idea about this project's status in Madurai?

True Jawahar. Even many IT companies were hesitant to start their shop in Madurai due to lack of flight connectivities. Even now, there is only good connections to Chennai. Madurai still needs better services to Bangalore and Mumbai at the least.

Btw, why do you want to be a silent reader? You can get into the discussions and share your thoughts and news with us.

Sure, Madurai!

Madurai airport raring to go international



http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IET20070711044509&Page=T&Title=Southern+News+-+Tamil+Nadu&Topic=0

I hope they dont face any problem like in Chennai, CBE and Trichy in acquiring land. I would be happy if they implement the above mentioned projects rather than just make announcements. What happened to the runway expansion, wasn't it supposed to be completed this month ?. I heard from people that blacktopping of runway was currently progressing and they could smell the tar, they weren't in a position to further explain in detail. At this rate i think they will take another 2 or 3 months to commision the runway for operation.



You are right, just a single flight to Bangalore(IT capital) and Mumbai(financial capital) will not do good for the economic development of the region. The only thing we can look forward in the near future is a paramount airlines flight to Bangalore and Air Deccan's A320 flight to Mumbai via Bangalore. Both these have been promised by these airlines and i hope they materialise soon.


While we continue to hear about the realization of the traffic surge and the need for international flights, we are not seeing much other than in the paper. When there are reports talking about expanding the runway to 9000 ft, the current expansion from 6000 ft to 7500 ft is kept in the dark.
I am glad atleast to hear from Madurai Veeran that some black topping work is going on, which is a good news. Land acquisition shouldn't be a big deal as far as Madurai airport is concerned, I feel. This is due to the fact that nothing major has developed or exist in the neighbourhood.
I am not optimistic now about Paramount's direct Bangalore-Madurai flight. They planned it for last November but kind of dropped it later. Recently they were busy with acquistion plans and such flights would have gone to the back burner for them.
Kingfisher also wouldn't pursue their earlier plans for the Chennai-Madurai sector I think. This is due to the fact that they have some stakes in Air Deccan and Air Deccan has increased the capacity by replacing ATR 72 with A320. I don't know when and if Air Deccan would start the Mumbai-Bangalore-Madurai A320 flight. If they do, it will be perfectly useful for the business and travel community. With more and more long distance non-stop international flights coming up from Mumbai, it will be better to have some additional connectivity to Mumbai from Madurai.

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/1172007/1107uma06-b&w.jpg

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=152541&code=18228

News and Picture, Courtesy Dinakaran.

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/1172007/1107nambi02-b&w.jpg

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=152541&code=18233

Picture and News, Courtesy Dinakaran.

^^ Good to see that the 4 laning of Melur road between K.K Nagar arch and Uthangudi is progressing well. In the article there is a mention about the Nakeeran entrance arch which is not wide enough to accomodate 4 lane traffic, i feel they should demolish it to avoid accidents. With city limits expanding there is no problem in moving these entrance arches unique to Madurai to outskirts.

Why isnt the state government carrying out the bypass road expansion between Fatima cge and Palanganatham to 6 lane with the same will as it has shown in the above case ?. With new bypass already coming up, the current bypass when converted to 6 lane could be taken up for BRTS project. It would be great if they can include this road for BRTS project and get it done under JNNURM.

^^ Do they have a BRTS project for Madurai???

AFAIK there is no plans yet for BRTS project in Madurai. But if they plan so under JNNURM, then i think the current bypass road could be the apt and the only possible road were it can be implemented. Bypass road is seeing tremendous growth interms of new appartments, offices and shopping centers and the traffic has increased so much that BRTS would be a good solution.

http://www.dinamalar.com/2007july12/photos/maduraitop.jpg

Air Deccan's new A320 on the Chennai-Madurai sector. Picture, courtesy Dinamalar.

Vadapalanji IT SEZ was approved on June 22nd, announcement to be made shortly - ELCOT official

Good news guys, the BoA had approved the IT SEZ at Vadapalanji during the last meeting on 22nd June itself, but the announcement was withheld due to the by election then. This was the information i got as reply to my mail to the ELCOT official. The reply email is as follows,

Dear Sir,

Warm Greets from ELCOT

Vadapalnji SEZ approved in last BOA meeting itself and with held for due
to the by election. The aproval will be announced shortly.

regards

B.Evanesan
ELCOT

MADURAI: Work on the proposed extension of Government Rajaji Hospital at Anna bus stand here is all set to begin in a month’s time, according to S.M. Sivakumar, Dean (in-charge).

The plan to establish an extension hospital was initiated to ease the congestion at the main campus, he said. The new building would house trauma care units and pay ward.

With the patients’ inflow to the casualty and head injury wards rising all the time, it had become extremely difficult to cater to patients with the existing facility. These wards received 60 to 100 patients every day, besides mass casualty cases four days a week. Hence, the new campus would definitely ease things, Dr. Sivakumar said.

The new six-storey building would have 300 beds. On the ground floor, reception, first-aid centre, ultra sound and X-ray units would be established apart from a septic theatre that would perform initial cleaning of wounds of victims of road accidents.

Intensive care units and post-operative wards would also be housed on the ground floor. A proposal to install a C.T. scan unit in the extension hospital had also been sent to the Health Minister, he added.

The first floor would house two sophisticated operation theatres. Second to fourth floors had been allocated for wards while the fifth and sixth floors would house an air-conditioned pay ward, he said.

If things went along on expected lines, the project, estimated to cost Rs.32 crore, would be completed in 18 months from the commencement of construction work, he said.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/13/stories/2007071353240600.htm

Vadapalanji IT SEZ was approved on June 22nd, announcement to be made shortly - ELCOT official

Good news guys, the BoA had approved the IT SEZ at Vadapalanji during the last meeting on 22nd June itself, but the announcement was withheld due to the by election then. This was the information i got as reply to my mail to the ELCOT official. The reply email is as follows,

Very nice to hear this Madurai Veeran. Hoping to see something good on the IT front in Madurai.

70 crore Rs for 123 km radial road project in Madurai

TN government has allocated 70 crore Rs. for radial road project in Madurai. Under this project 123 kms of roads would be integrated and developed into radial roads. The list of roads to be covered under this project can be viewed in the link below. Tendering process has been completed and the project is expected to commense in mid July.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/06/14/103/14_06_2007_103_014.jpg

The ground works on the above project is going to start. In the first phase 2 road are going to be developed into radial roads. They are as follows,

1. Alagarkoil-Melur road(15 kms) at cost of 7.25 crore Rs.
2. Melur-Poovandhi road via Thiruvadhavoor(21 kms) at a cost of 12.25 crore Rs.

Tendering process has been completed and the project is expected to start in the next few days. This news was conveyed by MLA Samy.

Source : Dinamalar

The ground works on the above project is going to start. In the first phase 2 road are going to be developed into radial roads. They are as follows,

1. Alagarkoil-Melur road(15 kms) at cost of 7.25 crore Rs.
2. Melur-Poovandhi road via Thiruvadhavoor(21 kms) at a cost of 12.25 crore Rs.

Tendering process has been completed and the project is expected to start in the next few days. This news was conveyed by MLA Samy.

Source : Dinamalar

Does anyone have any idea on whether they are going to be 4 laned ones?? or wide 2 laned ones..

Does anyone have any idea on whether they are going to be 4 laned ones?? or wide 2 laned ones..

Definitely not 4 lanes but wide 2 lane roads with proper shoulders and yellow line markings on the both sides. Just the same way as they previously carried out a radial road project in Madurai.

Sahara City Homes, The world's largest chain of self sufficient high quality townships across 217 cities in the country.

Check the links..

http://www.saharacityhomes.com/list1.asp
http://www.saharacityhomes.com/pages/Madurai.htm


Also madurai in first phase...

Sahara City Homes, The world's largest chain of self sufficient high quality townships across 217 cities in the country.

Check the links..

http://www.saharacityhomes.com/list1.asp
http://www.saharacityhomes.com/pages/Madurai.htm


Also madurai in first phase...

wikimapia view of the location..

http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=9844836&x=78113008&z=16&l=0&m=a&v=2

Arihant foundations of Chennai is stepping foot in Madurai..
They have purchased 21 acres of land and the project is about to kick off by Diwali or year end..

http://www.indiainfoline.com/company/innernews.asp?storyId=34561&lmn=4

Vadapalanji IT SEZ was approved on June 22nd, announcement to be made shortly - ELCOT official

Good news guys, the BoA had approved the IT SEZ at Vadapalanji during the last meeting on 22nd June itself, but the announcement was withheld due to the by election then. This was the information i got as reply to my mail to the ELCOT official. The reply email is as follows,

Here is the confirmation...
Check the following link from the govt website for SEZ..

http://www.sezindia.nic.in/HTMLS/Formal-approvals-granted-under-SEZ-Act-as-on-10-July-2007.pdf

Madurai is all set to have 3 IT SEZs along the its ring road and they would be formed like "Ayudha Ezhuthu" in tamil..
This has created 2 new avenues for development, the south side near airport and the western side near MKU..
If all these projects get completed smoothly, they would pave way to uniform
growth of city in all directions..
we should wait with the fingers crossed for another 2 yrs..

Sahara City Homes, The world's largest chain of self sufficient high quality townships across 217 cities in the country.

Check the links..

http://www.saharacityhomes.com/list1.asp
http://www.saharacityhomes.com/pages/Madurai.htm


Also madurai in first phase...


The model plan looks really impressive.. they have only one plan in the website.. i believe there would not be much difference between the townships in various cities. there are going to be few towers with 9 floors..

http://www.saharacityhomes.com/modelplan.asp
http://www.saharacityhomes.com/pricelist/madurai_price.asp

SIPCOT officials are currently involved in finalising land for SEZ at Eliyarpathi(near R.L Institute of Nautical science) along with the VAO officer of the region. Dinamalar newspaper says that the VAO officer was assaulted by some Ex-Eliyarpathi elected assistant leader. A good way to handle these lunatics should be the "Sivaji" style. When government comes forward with some development there are always a few like these.

A google earth view of the region and from my previous knowledge i think this region is totally barren and agriculture is totally non existent due to lack of irrigation and poor soil. I feel there shouldnt be any problems in acquiring the land for the above purpose. Hope they speed up the process and apply for SEZ soon.

Source : Dinamalar

SIPCOT officials are currently involved in finalising land for SEZ at Eliyarpathi(near R.L Institute of Nautical science) along with the VAO officer of the region. Dinamalar newspaper says that the VAO officer was assaulted by some Ex-Eliyarpathi elected assistant leader. A good way to handle these lunatics should be the "Sivaji" style. When government comes forward with some development there are always a few like these.

A google earth view of the region and from my previous knowledge i think this region is totally barren and agriculture is totally non existent due to lack of irrigation and poor soil. I feel there shouldnt be any problems in acquiring the land for the above purpose. Hope they speed up the process and apply for SEZ soon.

Source : Dinamalar


You are right madurai veeran... I also studied in saraswathi narayanan college only , so i know there are some agricultural land around eliyarpathi. but why sipcot selected eliyarpathi? i think they analysed and planned to acquire the tharisu land around that area. thr may be some local politics to earn thru this project. it happens always...

If all the projects done in another two three years, then around airport area crowded with multistorey buildings(rudradev township, Sipcot sez, and sahara apts) and with busy traffic, i think thr are five colleges nearby, now the airport is like island.

The model plan looks really impressive.. they have only one plan in the website.. i believe there would not be much difference between the townships in various cities. there are going to be few towers with 9 floors..

http://www.saharacityhomes.com/modelplan.asp
http://www.saharacityhomes.com/pricelist/madurai_price.asp

Yes madhan, i also think the model plan will vary city to city.

Thanks for Arihant info. The location of sahara is near airport, what about arihant, whr they are going to construct?

http://www.dinakaran.co.in/epaperdinakaran/showxml.aspx?id=153811&code=17632

Under JNNURM MDU city would get investments worth 2,497 Cr and 4 municipalities and 9 town panchayaths around MDU would get projects worth 2,167 Cr. Work has already started on the second vaigai drinking water pipeline and ground works for the solid waste management and slum rehabilitation which have been approved will start soon. Though MDU is ahead of Chennai and CBE interms of getting projects approved and implementing it, we are still very slow when compared to other states like MH and AP.

NEW DELHI: The government is planning to invest Rs 7,000 crore to remove traffic bottlenecks in tier-II cities such as Lucknow, Amritsar, Ranchi and Coimbatore. The ministry of shipping, road transport & highways has proposed to construct bypass roads, service lanes, overbridges and flyovers in these cities, an official said.

The proposal is part of the national highway development programme (NHDP) phase VII, which is currently with the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) for the final nod. The total cost of the NHDP phase VII is pegged at Rs 16,680 crore ( January 2006 prices). As the core group on financing of NHDP has prioritised NHDP phase VII into VIIA, VIIB and VIIC, at present, only VIIA is proposed to be taken up. Under NHDP phase VIIA about 400 km of ring roads and bypasses would be constructed at a cost of Rs 6,000 crore.

At present, 10 cities have been identified, which include Madurai, Varanasi, Hyderabad and Bangalore. “The move will improve traffic safety and ensure faster movement with improved riding quality and time leading to reduction in vehicle cost and significant reduction in fuel consumption,” he said.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Real_Estate/Centre_to_improve_traffic_snarls/articleshow/2205785.cms

Great, Madurai has found a place under phase I of the NHAI scheme.

^^

Wonderful news. Hope it's something different from JNNURM projects. Looking forward to hear some more details on this project.

TN government has approved a proposal by a private sugar factory to setup wine industry near Vaigai dam. The wine industry would be established by TIDCO in association with the above private company. The government had earlier rejected a proposal by Amruth distilleries, bangalore.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Article/2007/07/17/004/17_07_2007_004_001.jpg

Madurai District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association has called upon the State Government to establish a new industrial estate spanning across 500 acres in Madurai to facilitate entrepreneurship

the below hindu link shows the coming industrial estate in madurai

http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/15/stories/2007071559820600.htm

^^

There is a lot of land available near Kappalur. Four laning work is going on in full swing there. Its going to be a junction of Madurai-Samayanallur Bypass, current Ring road and NH-7. It will be good if they really do something there which will be appealing to the entrepreneurs.

CSI is starting a new dental college and Research center in madurai..

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/07/18/003/18_07_2007_003_007.jpg

I am not sure on how far is their plans to start a medical college in madurai..
http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/04/stories/2005100417090300.htm


Apollo also turns 10 today!!!

Few healthcare projects expected in future:
> Expansion of GRH, with new building in the Anna bus stand location
> Cancer Hospital by apollo along with expansion of current hospital to 500 bedded one..
> Govt AIDS treatment center
> proposed Medical college and hospital by Nadar community
> proposed Govt multispeciality hospital in Thoppur @ 100 crores..

Already home of Meenakshi Mission, Aravind, Vadamalayan, Apollo, GRH, CMH, Jawahar, Bose hospitals (i might have forgotten few..)
Madurai really has turned out to be hotspot for healthcare..

State govt has approved and forwaded 2 projects, namely, the underground drainage project (231 crores) and shifting of Central market (55 crores) to mattuthavani..
http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=18_07_2007_102_017&type=1&mode=1

The new market will have 1100 shops!!.. Tender to be floated in a month.

A new cargo complex has been inaugurated in madurai airport in order to provide separate channel to handle cargo..
This would aid madurai airport to handle atleast 10 tonnes of cargo per day..

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/07/18/103/18_07_2007_103_017.jpg


Picture of complex being inaugurated...
http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=18_07_2007_103_013_001&type=2&mode=1

Picture of complex being inaugurated...
http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleI...&type=2&mode=1

Dear Mr.Madhan,
i cant able to see the above link.. pls give the complete link.

CSI is starting a new dental college and Research center in madurai..

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/07/18/003/18_07_2007_003_007.jpg

I am not sure on how far is their plans to start a medical college in madurai..
http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/04/stories/2005100417090300.htm


Apollo also turns 10 today!!!

Few healthcare projects expected in future:
> Expansion of GRH, with new building in the Anna bus stand location
> Cancer Hospital by apollo along with expansion of current hospital to 500 bedded one..
> Govt AIDS treatment center
> proposed Medical college and hospital by Nadar community
> proposed Govt multispeciality hospital in Thoppur @ 100 crores..

Already home of Meenakshi Mission, Aravind, Vadamalayan, Apollo, GRH, CMH, Jawahar, Bose hospitals (i might have forgotten few..)
Madurai really has turned out to be hotspot for healthcare..

I have been wondering about this medical college from the day I had seen the news that you referred from The Hindu. It's good to see that they atleast got the Dental college approved. Yeah, the health care projects seem to be in a good shape from the list you mentioned. This augurs well for establishing some industries too.
Is this Dental College coming up in Pasumalai? If they are going to get the Medical College also in Pasumalai, it will be awesome for this area which already has Mannar College, Sourashtra College(Nearby), Music College and TCE besides Honeywell company.

Thanks for the news Madhan.

Picture of complex being inaugurated...
http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleI...&type=2&mode=1

Dear Mr.Madhan,
i cant able to see the above link.. pls give the complete link.

Dear Vignesh,
I think this is the link that Madhan wanted to post.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Photographs/2007/07/18/103/18_07_2007_103_013_001.jpg

State govt has approved and forwaded 2 projects, namely, the underground drainage project (231 crores) and shifting of Central market (55 crores) to mattuthavani..
http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=18_07_2007_102_017&type=1&mode=1

The new market will have 1100 shops!!.. Tender to be floated in a month.

I am definitely happy with this news. But, the only catch is that there is no news about building multi-storeyed Parking lot in the current market place unlike promised before.

Show out the exact place of Vadapalanchi, and Kinnimagalam and some more information regarding those areas

hey forumers plz post some of the pics of madurai city other than the temple.. i've not been to madurai for a while and so would love to see how the city has developed... any malls or multiplexes coming up there???

hey forumers plz post some of the pics of madurai city other than the temple.. i've not been to madurai for a while and so would love to see how the city has developed... any malls or multiplexes coming up there???

please look at the 'Madurai Views' topic in City Folder for pics on the city roads and amenities.

RR Industries have updated their website with more information on the Rudradev IT township under on going projects section. Here is a gist of few important information available there,

TIME FRAME

The time frame being looked at is 5 years over which it is proposed to build

* 5 million square feet of IT space
* 25000 residential units
* 2 Hospitals
* 2 Hotels
* 4 Shopping complex
* 2 Multiplex
* 1 Club
* Space for recreational activities
* 1 School
* Water supply and sewerage system
* Road system

LOCATION

The location of this new IT Park will be at Solankurini Village, Madurai. It is well connected by Road, Rail and Air. This site is located in an area which is classified as Industrial Zone. Electronics Corporation of Tamilnadu and SIPCOT also has plans to setup their units near to this place.

CONNECTIVITY

The proposed site is about 6 Kms from Madurai Airport and about 15 Kms from Railway Station. The proposed site is on Madurai Aruppukottai Road. In terms of road connectivity, the proposed site is well connected and has regular bus services plying on both the access roads. The roads have the potential to be made very wide.

PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE

The IT Park complex with multiple structures shall have the following facilities.

* Core Software Development Center
* Business / Convention Center
* Infrastructure Services Block
* Multi cuisine Cafeteria / Food Courts
* Substations for Power and Utility services.
* Water and Waste Treatment Plant
* Recreation and Health Centre
* Parking blocks /Driving range
* Gymnasium/Walking Zones
* Florist / Gift Shop
* Swimming pool
* Scenic environment with jogging tracks
* Landscaping with arterial roads
* Pocket parks and water bodies.
* ISP Rooms
* Fixed Double Glazed tinted windows for restricting heat and sound pollution
* Electrical switchgear of excellent quality
* Centralized water cooled power efficient Air-conditioning
* TNEB connection for 40 000 kva
* Back up power for 50000 kva
* Multiple power risers with separate distribution box for each floor
* Multiple risers at various shaft ways for data cabling
* Smoke detection and alarm system
* Sprinkler system / Water riser for fire safety
* Access Flooring as per clients requirement
* Water ring in the yard for fire safety
* Rest Rooms for each floor and common
* CCTV on the entire premise
* ATMs
* Special A/c (AHU) for server room
* Incubation space for upcoming small units with good growth potential

For more : http://www.rr-industries.com/madurai.htm

Nice to know the details about this RR township. Thanks Madurai Veeran.

State govt. fwds 2 major projects for Approval...

State govt has approved and forwaded 2 projects, namely, the underground drainage project (231 crores) and shifting of Central market (55 crores) to mattuthavani..
http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=18_07_2007_102_017&type=1&mode=1

The new market will have 1100 shops!!.. Tender to be floated in a month.

More on the above news in Hindu.

Mr. Stalin chaired a meeting of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission at the Secretariat here on Tuesday morning. The meeting gave its nod to forward to the Centre two projects worth Rs.286 crore. One project related to the construction of an underground sewerage system for Madurai. Now, 50 wards in Madurai have the underground sewerage system.

Another 22 are covered partially. The scheme would cover the 22 wards fully and was sought to be implemented at a cost of Rs.231.01 crore.

The second scheme was to modernise the vegetable market in Madurai at a cost of Rs. 55 crore.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/19/stories/2007071955660600.htm

I beleive the 55 crore project to shift central vegetable market to a spacious and modern complex at Mattuthavani also includes construction of a multi-storied parking lot at the present market complex.

Its good that MDU corporation has given priority to implement basic amenities such as drinking water pipeline, underground drainage, slum rehabilitation etc under JNNURM. But it would be better if they also start to think about implementing other projects such as roads, flyovers, subways etc.

RR Industries have updated their website with more information on the Rudradev IT township under on going projects section. Here is a gist of few important information available there,

TIME FRAME

The time frame being looked at is 5 years over which it is proposed to build

* 5 million square feet of IT space
* 25000 residential units
* 2 Hospitals
* 2 Hotels
* 4 Shopping complex
* 2 Multiplex
* 1 Club
* Space for recreational activities
* 1 School
* Water supply and sewerage system
* Road system

LOCATION

The location of this new IT Park will be at Solankurini Village, Madurai. It is well connected by Road, Rail and Air. This site is located in an area which is classified as Industrial Zone. Electronics Corporation of Tamilnadu and SIPCOT also has plans to setup their units near to this place.

CONNECTIVITY

The proposed site is about 6 Kms from Madurai Airport and about 15 Kms from Railway Station. The proposed site is on Madurai Aruppukottai Road. In terms of road connectivity, the proposed site is well connected and has regular bus services plying on both the access roads. The roads have the potential to be made very wide.

For more : http://www.rr-industries.com/madurai.htm

Initially RR Industries had applied for only 50 acres of SEZ but then they had scaled it up to around 75 acres while getting approved. So i beleive in the mean time they must have got some positive feedbacks from the IT players.

For newbies here is a link to the rendering of the Rudradev IT park

http://elcot.in/photos/gallery/Rudradev%20-%20Madurai.jpg

Plan to set up 25 low-cost airports

After low-cost airlines, it is the turn of no-frill and low-cost airports. In a bid to encourage regional airlines and provide air links to small cities and towns, nearly 25 greenfield or unutilised airport projects have been identified by various states, which will be up for bidding by the private sector.

Planned in tier-II or tier-III cities, the airports would be in addition to the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s (MoCA’s) ambitious modernisation programme for 35 non-metro airports.

A no-frill airport is built at a minimum cost and allows operation of small jets as well as slightly bigger aircraft like Boeing's B737 or Airbus' A320. The investment in such an airport could range from Rs 40 crore to Rs 100 crore.

The places identified for the purpose include Hassan, Shimoga, Gulbarga, Bidar, Mysore (all in Karnataka), Shirdi, Jalgaon, Solapur, Akola (all in Maharashtra), Kannur (Kerala), Madurai, Tiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu), Rupsi (Assam), Ajmer, Mount Abu, Kailashar (Rajasthan), Behala, Cooch Behar, Malda (West Bengal), Jharsuguda (Orissa), Muzaffurpur (Bihar), Kamalpur (Tripura) and Passighat (Arunachal Pradesh).

For more : http://www.business-standard.com/economy/storypage.php?leftnm=lmnu2&subLeft=1&autono=291637&tab=r

The news is a bit confusing on how MDU and Trichy airports found a place in the above project. Firstly MDU and Trichy airports are not unutilised airports and secondly both are already included in the modernisation programme for 35 non-metro airports.

Does the above news then mean MDU would have a low cost airport in addition to the airport it already has. (:) I know its highly impossible and cannot even be dreamt of). Please clarify my doubt.

Plan to set up 25 low-cost airports



For more : http://www.business-standard.com/economy/storypage.php?leftnm=lmnu2&subLeft=1&autono=291637&tab=r

The news is a bit confusing on how MDU and Trichy airports found a place in the above project. Firstly MDU and Trichy airports are not unutilised airports and secondly both are already included in the modernisation programme for 35 non-metro airports.

Does the above news then mean MDU would have a low cost airport in addition to the airport it already has. (:) I know its highly impossible and cannot even be dreamt of). Please clarify my doubt.


I also had the same doubt.. yet it would be good if they pump in these funds also to develop the exisiting airport.. also, Paramount could make madurai as its hub..

Initially RR Industries had applied for only 50 acres of SEZ but then they had scaled it up to around 75 acres while getting approved. So i beleive in the mean time they must have got some positive feedbacks from the IT players.

For newbies here is a link to the rendering of the Rudradev IT park

http://elcot.in/photos/gallery/Rudradev%20-%20Madurai.jpg

The website says they have acquired 300 acres and it "may" be extended to 750 acres. Also, the website states of them having concrete plans of establishing 5 million sq.ft. of IT space.. Earlier they had said that they would develop a 1 million sq.ft and develop further based on demand.. I believe they would have got more bookings and enquires which has made them to announce that they would develop 5 million sq.ft.

Madurai apollo would be adding 500 more beds (to the existing 200) in the next 3 yrs, says apollo chief.
All ultra modern scan equipments to be installed. They also have plans to start a medical college and nurse training institute..

http://www.thinaboomi.com/2007/jul/19/districts/district5.php

The trustee meeting was held to select the chariman of the Trust.
The trust will be registered on Oct 3.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=19_07_2007_011_001&type=1&mode=1

Hope they complete the project in 2 yrs time..

The trustee meeting was held to select the chariman of the Trust.
The trust will be registered on Oct 3.

http://epaper.dinamalar.com/ArticleImageEx.aspx?article=19_07_2007_011_001&type=1&mode=1

Hope they complete the project in 2 yrs time..

Madhan,
Hope this news is related to the planned Medical College. Could you please get the link from the properties of that page? This link is not showing the report.

Madhan,
Hope this news is related to the planned Medical College. Could you please get the link from the properties of that page? This link is not showing the report.

It is related to the proposed medical college..
http://epaper.dinamalar.com/Web/Madurai/Article/2007/07/19/011/19_07_2007_011_001.jpg

Thanks Madhan. Good to see some activity on this. But, I don't think there is any news on the approval from the Government on the go-ahead for this Medical College. I am not talking about the final approval after setting up the facilities. Correct me if I am wrong.

Madurai apollo would be adding 500 more beds (to the existing 200) in the next 3 yrs, says apollo chief.
All ultra modern scan equipments to be installed. They also have plans to start a medical college and nurse training institute..

http://www.thinaboomi.com/2007/jul/19/districts/district5.php

Though this report doesn't talk about where they are planning to build the Medical College, I will be happy if it's somewhere in Madurai district.

Thanks Madhan. Good to see some activity on this. But, I don't think there is any news on the approval from the Government on the go-ahead for this Medical College. I am not talking about the final approval after setting up the facilities. Correct me if I am wrong.

I believe the paper works will start only after a Trust is formed and registered.
There should be some registered Trust which should initiate the process and apply for all the approvals.. They would do it after the Trust is registered..