Expressing confidence that the new government at the Centre will make efforts to speed up the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal project, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said on Thursday that its early completion would help in the industrial development of south Tamil Nadu.

Inaugurating the Rs 616 crore Ramanathapuram combined Drinking Water Scheme from Chennai via video conferencing, Karunanidhi said the Sethusamudram project would also usher in employment opportunities.

"The project will ensure development of industries in South Tamil Nadu, including Ramanathapuram, besides ensuring employment opportunities. The socio-economic condition of people will improve," he said expressing confidence that the project will be implemented by the UPA government.

"I am confident the new Central government will make efforts to speed up and complete the project, 60 per cent of which has already been completed, he said.

Attributing "conspiracy" by some persons for going to court, he said the legal tangle will be overcome to implement the project.

The work on the project has been stalled as the Supreme Court has reserved orders on the project and appointed an expert Committee headed by noted environmentalist RK Pachauri.

The court was approached on the grounds that the present alignment would damage the 'Ramar sethu,' a bridge believed to have been constructed by Lord Ram.