Tamil Nadu government has on Thursday demanded the Union government to remove five toll plazas near Chennai under the grounds that they are creating a hassling environment for the people residing near them. The state government has also pressed the Centre to speed up the road projects that are pending for several decades. 

According to reports, Tamil Nadu Highways Minister EV Velu has officially visited New Delhi to meet the Union government officials. The minister has demanded the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways remove five toll plazas that sit on the outskirts of Chennai. Following the meeting with the officials, Velu has on Thursday - March 17 highlighted that these toll plazas are causing hindrance to the people. 

He said, "These toll plazas, which are located in corporation or municipality limits, are causing hindrance to people residing over there and are expected to worsen in the coming days." Velu has requested Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to dictate orders to remove toll plazas situated at Paranur - Chengalpet, Vanagaram, Nemili, Chennasamudram, and Surapattu. 

Addressing the reporters in New Delhi, Velu said that he has urged the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to speed up the road projects that are pending for several decades, including Tindivanam- Krishnagiri highway expansion. He has affirmed that the Tamil Nadu government is providing complete support to NHAI contractors in several processes including obtaining No Objection Certificates from the forest department, acquiring lands, and shifting electricity poles.