DMK MP Urges Centre to Accelerate Chennai Port–Maduravoyal Expressway Project

The long awaited Chennai Port–Maduravoyal elevated expressway project has once again come into focus after DMK Member of Parliament Tamizhachi Thangapandian urged the Central government to speed up the execution of the key infrastructure project. Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377, the South Chennai MP stressed that the project is vital for easing traffic congestion in Chennai and improving cargo movement from the Chennai port.

The six lane elevated corridor, planned over a stretch of 20.6 kilometres, will connect Chennai Port Gate No.10 with Maduravoyal along the Cooum river. The project is being implemented at an estimated cost of about Rs 5,570 crore and is considered a critical infrastructure link for the city’s logistics and transport network.

According to the MP, the expressway was originally conceived to streamline the movement of container trucks and other heavy vehicles transporting cargo to and from the port. At present, cargo vehicles often move through city roads, contributing to severe congestion in several parts of Chennai.

After remaining stalled for several years due to multiple issues, the project has recently resumed construction. It was initially expected to be completed by May this year, but delays caused by the northeast monsoon and other logistical challenges have pushed the completion timeline further. Authorities now expect the project to be completed in the first half of 2027.

The expressway is being developed in four phases under the Bharatmala programme of the Central government. The Tamil Nadu government has been extending full cooperation for land acquisition and other approvals required for the project.

Once completed, the elevated corridor is expected to significantly improve traffic flow in Chennai. It will enable direct cargo movement between the port and the city’s highway network while reducing congestion on urban roads.

Officials estimate that the expressway will have the capacity to handle nearly 40,000 vehicles every day. The project is also expected to enhance the operational efficiency of Chennai Port and strengthen the city’s logistics infrastructure.

Tamizhachi Thangapandian urged the Centre to take necessary steps to ensure faster completion of the project, highlighting its importance for Chennai’s urban mobility and economic growth.