The Tamil Nadu government has urged Ennore Port to examine connecting the port to southern Tamil Nadu through the existing southern railway line at Vandalur, which would benefit the entire State.
Sources told Express that a high level meeting was held on February 12, which discussed Ennore Port’s proposal to use a 22-metre strip of land across the Outer Ring Road for a rail link between Ennore Port and Nemilichery. During the meeting the State also asked Ennore Port to examine the feasibility of forming two tracks to facilitate passenger and goods traffic.
The State government felt that Ennore Port had only proposed to provide rail linkage from Nandiambakkam to Avadi and that they should also examine connecting the port to southern Tamil Nadu through the existing southern railway line of Vandalur.
Interestingly, Ennore Port has put forth in its proposal that the rail route would provide connectivity between Ennore and Mumbai, Bangalore and the rest of the State. It further stated that the rail link had the potential to connect the industrial hubs of Sriperumbudur and Oragadam.
The proposal by Ennore Port comes as it plans to expand its cargo capacity from 30 million tonnes to 66 million tonnes per annum.
The Outer Ring Road was evolved as part of the recommendations of the first master plan for Chennai Metropolitan Area to relieve traffic congestion in the city by connecting the national highway in Chennai Metropolitan Area.
Sources said that during the meeting it was also discussed whether the land reserved for the rail system being put to use for freight traffic would affect passenger transit.
Following this Ennore Port was asked to examine the feasibility of forming two tracks, which should facilitate passenger and goods traffic.