Residents Demand Road Overbridge as Govt Proposes ₹10-Crore Footbridge at Chromepet

The state government has proposed a ₹10-crore foot overbridge (FOB) with escalators at the SDNB Vaishnav College junction in Chromepet, but residents say the project misses the mark. What they need, they argue, is a road overbridge or an underpass to address traffic snarls at a level crossing no. 26.

CMDA Minister P.K. Sekarbabu recently confirmed the FOB plan, and Chromepet MLA I. Karunanithi said a detailed project report will be prepared before tenders are floated. According to Tambaram Corporation Commissioner S. Balachander, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) will build the structure and hand it over to either the Tambaram Corporation or the Highways Department for upkeep.

Residents, while welcoming the pedestrian facility, say it does little to solve the area’s chronic traffic congestion. “What we need is a vehicular subway or flyover to connect GST Road with Radha Nagar, Shanthi Nagar, Ganapathipuram and even Nanmangalam,” said local activist V. Santhanam. “This would reduce private vehicle use and revive the long-discontinued MTC bus route 52-E.”

Santhanam pointed out that the government’s suggested alternatives — the MIT Flyover and the Vels College route — are impractical. He also flagged flooding concerns, stating that a flyover would be more feasible than a subway. “With the metro planned between the airport and Kilambakkam, it makes sense to eliminate this bottleneck now,” he said.

MLA Karunanithi added that talks with the Railways are underway to evaluate both a subway and a flyover. “We will finalise the most viable option soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, real estate growth and population density in the area have amplified the issue. P. Viswanathan, convener of the Chitlapakkam Residents Associations Coordination Committee, said more than one lakh residents across 20 localities lack proper public transport. “People from Nemilicherry and nearby areas spend at least ₹200 twice a week just to reach the crossing to access GST Road buses,” he said.

Locals are clear: a footbridge may help pedestrians, but a road link is essential for real, lasting connectivity.