NHAI is planning two expressways to ease traffic entering Chennai from the south. The projects are expected to cut travel time significantly, especially during festival-season congestion. One of the key stretches is between Tindivanam, Chengalpet and Kilambakkam.
90 mins to 15 mins: How 2 expressways, 23km elevated corridor will ease Chennai entry traffic
The six-lane corridor will have a toll plaza and is expected to bring peak travel time down from about 90 minutes to 15–20 minutes. Travel from Tindivanam to Chengalpet could fall to about 30 minutes from one-and-a-half hours. NHAI has proposed widening the 68km Chengalpet-Tindivanam stretch into a 10-lane corridor. NHAI expects the planned widening to cater to Chennai’s entry traffic for the next 30 years.
Because of hillock areas after Paranur, the project is awaiting environmental clearance. A 23km double-decker elevated corridor is planned between Mahindra City and the Kilambakkam bus terminus. NHAI will construct the elevated expressway first. The elevated corridor could also accommodate a double-decker metro corridor. NHAI plans to construct the central pillars, including piers and pier caps, for the metro. The state government’s proposal has been sent to the Centre, while Metro will later install girders, tracks and electrification. NHAI has also planned a 15km greenfield expressway from Pakkam village to Paranur. The six-lane road will connect with the Kancheepuram-Chengalpet highway junction. It will pass through Uthiramerur and cross the Palar river. The second expressway is expected to significantly shorten journeys from southern and western districts. Vehicles from Tindivanam could reach Kilambakkam in about an hour. The proposed configuration includes six main lanes and two service lanes. The greenfield expressway could also be extended towards Tindivanam and beyond if required. Together, the projects aim to provide faster access towards Chennai from southern and western districts.
