Contrary to the usual feature of loss of land, the Royapuram-Tiruvottiyur coastal belt in north Chennai is witnessing reclamation, thanks to groynes put up in the area.About 13 acres of land has been reclaimed, says an official of the Tamil Nadu Road Development Company (TNRDC), which, along with the National Highways Authority of India, is executing a project to upgrade the Ennore Expressway. A few other roads are also to be covered under the scheme, taken up for improving connectivity between the Chennai harbour and the Ennore port.The reclamation has happened after the TNRDC began coastal protection works a year ago. Eight groynes have been put up. Work on the ninth one is on. "We plan to complete this component of the project by the end of December. The cost comes to Rs. 25 crores," says the TNRDC official.