NHAI to Commence Construction of Tambaram-Chengalpattu Elevated Corridor to Ease Traffic Congestion
Posted on: 22/Jun/2023 9:15:10 AM
In a significant development aimed at alleviating traffic congestion, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is set to commence construction on the Tambaram-Chengalpattu elevated corridor project. Estimated at a cost of Rs 3,523 crore, the 6-lane elevated road will span a distance starting from Perungalathur and extending beyond the Paranur toll plaza. This much-anticipated infrastructure endeavor is expected to bring relief to vehicles traveling to central and southern parts of the State.
The NHAI has completed the detailed project report (DPR) for the 94-kilometer Tambaram-Tindivanam stretch of the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) road. Officials have confirmed that the construction work on the 27-kilometer Tambaram-Chengalpattu elevated corridor will commence this year. The current stretch between Tambaram and Chengalpattu witnesses heavy traffic congestion throughout the day due to its proximity to commercial, industrial, and residential areas. The corridor is frequented by approximately 1.53 lakh vehicles daily, and it has become a hotspot for accidents, with 12 black spots identified.
According to NHAI officials, the elevated corridor will not only relieve congestion but also contribute to reducing accidents. Heavy vehicles, including buses, trucks, and cars, will have the option to utilize the elevated road, effectively decongesting the existing stretch. The DPR estimates that by 2030, the elevated corridor will accommodate 63,605 passenger car units (PCUs), while the at-grade road will handle over 82,100 PCUs. Entry and exit ramps will be provided at the Kilambakkam bus terminus, Potheri near SRM College, and Mahindra World City.
Furthermore, the NHAI plans to upgrade the 67.1-kilometer Chengalpattu-Tindivanam stretch of the GST to 8 lanes with service roads on both sides. The widening project, estimated at a cost of Rs 3,458 crore, aims to accommodate the increasing traffic volume. Within the built-up areas along this stretch, a 6-lane elevated corridor is proposed, covering Mamandur town, Padalam junction, Karunguzhi junction, Madhurantakam town, and Saram village. Additionally, the NHAI intends to construct an elevated road over existing vehicular underpasses (VUPs) at Melmaruvathur and Acharapakkam. The stretch currently has 20 black spots, which will be addressed by the construction of eight-lane grade separators (VUPs/flyovers) at major junctions.
To facilitate smoother traffic flow and reduce congestion, the NHAI plans to construct two-lane bridges on either side of the existing Palar bridge. This measure aims to improve the movement of vehicles. The DPR projects that the traffic volume on the Chengalpattu-Tindivanam stretch will increase to 1.26 lakh PCUs in 2040, compared to the existing 57,300 PCUs.
Regarding the funding of elevated corridor projects, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has written to Chief Minister Stalin, seeking the State government`s decision on waiving the State component of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The NHAI has proposed four elelevated corridor projects, including the Maduravoyal-Sriperumbudur section, the Madhavaram junction to Outer Ring road section, the Tambaram-Chengalpattu section, and the Tiruchy-Thuvakudi stretch.
