The Union Minister for Shipping and Highways, Mr T.R. Baalu, urged contractors to complete the on-going four-lane work on the Madurai-Tiruchi section, as scheduled by August 2008. The road works would prove more useful on completion of the Sethusamudram Ship Canal project. The progress has been delayed due to lack of co-operation from various departments.Non-availability of materials, delay in shifting of drinking water pipelines, drainage re-alignment and relocation of electric poles caused the delay, he said while speaking to presspersons. Upgradation of the Madurai-Sivaganga-Thondi road as national highway was under active consideration, he added. Mr Baalu was on an inspection of the work along with the officials of the National Highway Authority of India.