Chennai ECR six-laning nears completion with 85% work done

Chennai’s key coastal corridor, the East Coast Road, is now entering its final phase of expansion as the six-laning project between Thiruvanmiyur and Akkarai reaches 85 percent completion. The 10.5 km stretch is one of the most critical urban infrastructure upgrades aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity along the city’s southern coastal belt.

According to officials from the Tamil Nadu Highways Department, most of the civil works have been completed, and the focus is now on finishing pending segments and addressing land acquisition challenges. Certain pockets between Kottivakkam and Akkarai, particularly near VGP, are yet to be cleared, with around 30 houses still under negotiation. Authorities have initiated discussions with property owners and expect to complete the process soon.

Despite significant progress, traffic disruptions continue in areas such as Neelankarai, Injambakkam and Vettuvankeni due to incomplete stretches and uneven road surfaces. Illegal parking along newly expanded lanes has also emerged as a concern, reducing the effective carriageway width and slowing down vehicle movement. Efforts to restrict parking have faced resistance from local residents, highlighting the need for better traffic management solutions.

Commuters have also raised concerns about recurring encroachments by roadside vendors, which continue to impact traffic flow. In response, officials are expected to intensify enforcement measures once the project is fully completed.

In parallel, preparations are underway for a proposed elevated corridor along the same stretch. The ₹2,100 crore project between Thiruvanmiyur and Uthandi is currently in the soil testing stage and is expected to further enhance capacity and reduce congestion in the long term.

The completion of the ECR widening project is expected to significantly improve travel time, support real estate growth along the corridor, and strengthen Chennai’s overall road infrastructure network.