Stalin Lays Foundation for Rs 2100 Crore Elevated Corridor on ECR in Chennai

Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday laid the foundation stone for a 13.5 kilometre long four lane elevated corridor from Thiruvanmiyur to Uthandi along the busy East Coast Road in Chennai. The ambitious infrastructure project, estimated at Rs 2100 crore, aims to significantly decongest one of the city’s most traffic heavy stretches.

The project, which is expected to be completed within three years, is designed to help motorists bypass traffic signals at nearly 130 side roads that merge with the East Coast Road. Officials said the stretch currently handles close to 70000 vehicles ежедневно, leading to persistent bottlenecks despite earlier widening works.

The elevated corridor will include up and down ramps at key junctions such as West Avenue, Neelankarai and Uthandi. An additional up ramp is planned at L B Road to facilitate vehicles from the Adyar side, while a down ramp will be provided near the RTO junction. Authorities indicated that while existing acquired land will be utilised, additional parcels may be required for ramp construction.

The project will be executed under the hybrid annuity model, combining elements of engineering procurement construction and build operate transfer frameworks. The initiative was originally conceptualised as a flyover cum subway project but later evolved into a full length elevated corridor to improve traffic flow across multiple junctions including Thiruvanmiyur and the Marundeeswarar Temple area.

Residents have largely welcomed the development, expressing hope that pedestrian facilities and well planned entry and exit points will be incorporated. The corridor is expected to enhance connectivity, reduce travel time and strengthen Chennai’s urban transport infrastructure in line with the city’s rapid expansion.