Chennai Plans Six-Lane ECR-OMR Link Road Between Sholinganallur and Kovalam

The Tamil Nadu Highways Department has initiated the process for developing a six-lane link road between the East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), with the proposed corridor connecting Sholinganallur and Kovalam. The department has issued a tender to appoint a consultant to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR), marking an initial step towards addressing traffic congestion along one of Chennai’s rapidly developing coastal stretches.

The selected consultant will be required to complete the DPR within three months. The study will cover land measurements, traffic assessments, soil investigations, land acquisition requirements and the estimated project cost. The report will provide the technical and financial details needed for the government to take further decisions on the proposed road.

The project is expected to improve connectivity between two major road corridors serving Chennai’s southern suburbs. ECR and OMR have witnessed considerable development, with IT companies, educational institutions, hospitals, hotels, commercial establishments and residential communities expanding along both routes.

Currently, the Thoraipakkam-Neelankarai road is the primary connection between ECR and OMR. Motorists travelling from Sholinganallur, Siruseri and Kelambakkam towards Kovalam and Mahabalipuram often have to cover around 12 kilometres. Traffic congestion along the existing route can extend travel time to more than an hour during busy periods.

The proposed six-lane link road is expected to reduce this journey to approximately 10 to 15 minutes, subject to the final alignment and project implementation. It could also ease congestion around Sholinganallur, which serves as an important junction for commuters travelling between Chennai’s IT corridor and coastal localities.

The proposed connection may have wider implications for regional traffic movement. Chennai’s southern districts are heavily dependent on the Chennai-Tiruchy National Highway, particularly during weekends and festival seasons. With Kilambakkam bus terminus located along this highway, government and private buses heading towards southern Tamil Nadu add to the traffic volume.

Improved connectivity between ECR and OMR could offer motorists another route into and out of Chennai, potentially distributing traffic more evenly. The planned expansion of ECR into a six-lane road could further support this shift.

Separately, the state government has allocated ₹80 lakh for a feasibility study of a proposed 52-kilometre road connecting Maduranthagam and Mahabalipuram through Karunguzhi, Thirukkazhukundram and Poonchery.

Both proposals indicate a broader focus on improving road connectivity across Chennai’s southern growth corridor. However, the ECR-OMR link road remains at the DPR preparation stage, with its final alignment, land requirements, project cost and construction timeline yet to be established.