Green Signal to MRTS Phase-II extension

The Madras High Court today gave the green signal to the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS-Phase II) extension from Velacherry to St.Thomas Mount over a distance of five km, which is almost complete.
The total project cost is about Rs 495 crore.
Dismissing a batch of writ petitions and writ appeals, a Division Bench of Justice N.Paulvasanthakumar and Justice M. Sathyanarayanan, said the court after analysing the facts and the legal position laid down by the Supreme Court and on scrutiny of the "materials placed before it is of the considered opinion that invocation of section 17(2) and dispensing with enquiry under Section 5A is justified."

A challenge was made in the writ petitions and appeals for invoking the urgency clause under Section 17(2) of the Land Acquisition Act by the Government for the purpose of implementing the project.
In its counter on behalf of CMDA, it was submitted that for the implementation of mega infrastructure project quickly invoking the urgency clause has become indispensable so that benefits of infrastructure accrue to society the moment that project is completed and commenced.
The bench, in its 123-page judgement, said the counter affidavits filed by the Government and the CMDA would clearly disclose that the proposed alignment and extension Phase II took place in 2008.

"During the last three years between 2008-2011, authorities have completed the work of 3.7 km out of five km of MRTS line including acquisition of lands and the remaining work is to be done only for about 1.3 km and the area belonging to the appellants, and writ petitioners is only to an extent of 500 metres out of the balance of 1.3 km and the project is to be completed expeditiously for the benefit of the Public and therefore a conscious decision was taken to invoke the Urgency Clause."

The bench while justifying the construction of integrated railway Station at St.Thomas Mount in its order said there will be easing of traffic in Chennai Metropolitan area and would also benefit the long distance commuters.

While referring to the deviation of alignment, the bench said the modification was intended for the construction of Integrated railway station at St.Thomas Mount Railway Station. The bench directed authorities to take necessary steps to disburse the compensation and other statutory entitlements to the landowners as expeditiously as possible.
The bench flayed MRTS authorities over the way in which the Chintadripet-Velachery stations were maintained and suggested that steps be taken to maintain them properly.