The long-awaited fourth arm of the Perungalathur grade separator, connecting the Tambaram Eastern Bypass, is set to become a reality following the Union Ministry of Environment`s in-principle approval to divert land from Vandalur Reserve Forest. This move will help complete the final leg of the Tambaram Eastern Bypass and Perungalathur Road Over Bridge (ROB), easing traffic congestion in the area.
Both projects had stalled for over two years due to the lack of forest land. With the approval, the State Highways Department will now proceed with the 900-meter bypass stretch, requiring 4.46 hectares of forest land and the felling of 285 trees. The Perungalathur ROB`s fourth arm needs 0.95 hectares of land and the removal of 204 trees.
The Tambaram Eastern Bypass, proposed in 2004, aims to ease traffic on GST Road in Tambaram, Chromepet, and Pallavaram. While a 4.5-km stretch has been completed, the remaining sections were delayed due to land acquisition issues.
Meanwhile, the Perungalathur ROB, estimated at Rs 206.83 crore, has seen partial completion, with the final arm connecting Chengalpattu and Tambaram expected to finish once forest land and a Tangedco substation are secured.