CHENNAI: The latest hurdle that the much-anticipated bus terminus at Madhavaram is facing now is a rather hefty bill of Rs 1.18 crore. The work is now hit by the delay on the part of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority in paying Rs 1.18 crore for getting building permit from the Greater Chennai Corporation.
Last September, the city Corporation sanctioned the application for building permit for the satellite bus terminus in Madhavaram that is to cater for commuters going to the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and other northern regions. While according the nod, the municipal body had sought Rs 45 lakh for building licence fee, Rs 50 lakh for Workers Welfare Fund and Rs 22.57 lakh for vacant land tax to be paid within one month, and had warned that failure to pay the amount on time would attract 12 per cent interest annually.
For getting a building permit, the CMDA has to satisfy five parameters of the project: revised sketch of the bus terminus, paying building licence fee, vacant land tax, workers welfare board fund and scrutiny fees.
But this is easier said than done. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority is yet to get the revised sketch prepared by Mahindra Consulting Engineers over the delay in payment of Rs 3.8 lakh to the consultants following an agreement signed to build the bus terminus in 2011.
Sources said the CMDA is planning to pay the Workers Welfare Board fund only after the construction of the project, which is against the norms.
The other issue plaguing the proposed bus terminus project is that the land is in dispute due to an issue with patta.
Even the land that is being converted into approach road has not been gifted to Greater Chennai Corporation. Besides, the existing layout has not been revised by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
Sources feel the delay on the CMDA’s part could even result in audit objections.
Initially announced in 2011, the Madhavaram bus terminal project faced several hurdles. The first feasibility report for the project was unfavourable as it said that the bus terminus would lead to congestion of the inner ring road. It had cited the heavy truck movement along the stretch. Subsequently, the project for the bus terminus at Madhavaram was put on hold.
The project was revived last year and a fresh feasibility report was prepared.