Chennai Plans to Widen 100 km of Key Roads to Ease Traffic Congestion

Chennai is set to witness a major road infrastructure upgrade as authorities plan to widen nearly 100 kilometres of arterial roads across several congested parts of the city. The proposal was discussed during the first meeting of the Working Group for Traffic Regulations and Management Framework under the State Planning Commission.

Officials identified several critical corridors where road widening could significantly reduce traffic bottlenecks and improve safety. Among the key stretches proposed for improvement is the corridor from Padi near Saravana Stores to Thiruninravur. Authorities believe widening this stretch will enhance connectivity between the Outer Ring Road and fast growing residential areas including Anna Nagar and surrounding suburbs.

Transport planners have indicated that the width of the Padi to Thiruninravur corridor could increase by nearly 50 percent once the project is implemented. The move is expected to improve travel time and reduce traffic congestion on one of the city’s busiest routes.

In addition to this stretch, authorities are also studying the feasibility of widening road links connecting Velachery with Tambaram and Taramani. These corridors carry heavy traffic due to the presence of IT parks, educational institutions and rapidly expanding residential neighbourhoods. The proposals are expected to bring relief to commuters travelling through Velachery, Tambaram, Taramani and nearby areas.

Officials also noted that traffic flow in suburbs such as Pammal could improve once these road upgrades are completed. The Greater Chennai Corporation is expected to identify bus route corridors that require widening after acquiring land in highly congested stretches.

Apart from road expansion, the working group also recommended that foot overbridges constructed by agencies such as the Highways Department and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority be handed over to local bodies for better maintenance.

The panel also discussed stricter traffic management measures and improved regulation for approving large developments such as schools, malls and commercial complexes along busy roads. Experts suggested that better planning, enforcement and infrastructure upgrades together could significantly reduce traffic congestion and road accidents across Chennai.