Despite monsoon showers, construction of the four-lane marine drive has gained momentum as the ambitious project has to be completed by June next year.

The 9.4 Km long marine drive is constructed by Tata Steel at a cost of Rs 120 crores. A Calcutta-based road construction company, BlA Group has been entrusted with the assignment for completing the mega project by the end of June next year. "We are engaged in construction for four-lane marine drive and construction of ground level along the Subarnarekha as well as Kharkai River. Both the works has to be completed by the end of June 2014," said Rahul Prasad one of the executives of the construction major BlA Group.

Prasad said that normally monsoon is not considered to be an ideal period for digging as well as construction work. Notably, a marine drive from Kadma connecting to Mango bridge was set up in 2006 with the work lying pending at several stretches due to encroachment. But after Adityapur toll bridge became operational in July 2011, leading to the plying of heavy vehicles on the marine drive, the condition of the marine drive deteriorated fast.  As a result of which the Tata Steel had prompted to initiate step for reconstructing of a four-lane marine drive.

Commuters go through a harrowing time, curse the stretch for its craters and frequent mishaps. The much-touted road, which acts as a connector between the Adityapur industrial area and Mango, took a beating once the toll bridge was made operational in July 2011. The road was found too delicate for heavy vehicles. Once the makeover is complete, Tata Steel officials believe Marine Drive will be strong enough for heavy vehicles. At least 2,000 trucks take the stretch daily. Numbers are likely to increase after revamp. For residents too, the revamp plan is cause for cheer. A resident heaved a sigh of relief. "I wish work is completed on thestretch within deadline. Areas along the Marine Drive are starting to emerge as vibrant business zones. Hence, a new road will help," Sharma said.