Vyttila–Pettah land acquisition to begin soon.

Close on the heels of clearing the hurdles to Pettah extension of Metro rail, the authorities are set to begin acquisition of land for widening the Vyttila-Pettah stretch.

According to revenue officials, steps are in place for the take over of 1.9542 hectares (4.80 acres) along the stretch and the District Level Purchasing Committee has finalised a value of Rs. 21 lakh per cent of land.

||'The immediate priority will be to acquire land from the Silver Sand Island up to Pettah, the cost of which is estimated to be around Rs. 80 crore. We have already completed the survey of about 300 holdings to be taken over under this,' said a top revenue official.

A draft declaration with regard to land acquisition has been already issued and the acquisition process will begin upon receiving the funds, the official added.

The cost of acquisition for the entire three kilometre stretch will be just above 200 crore.

Meanwhile, the authorities have commenced negotiations with a couple of institutions including religious establishments and are on the final stage of fixing the land value.

'The discussions are progressing fast and we are looking to closing a deal before the acquisition process begins,' the official added.


THE HINDU