India’s First BRTS-Enabled Elevated Corridor Planned on Chennai’s GST Road at Rs 3,300 Crore

A major infrastructure upgrade is on the horizon for Chennai’s southern corridor as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled plans to construct an 18.4 km-long elevated corridor between Urappakkam (Kilambakkam Terminus) and Chettipunyam (Mahindra City) along the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road. The Rs 3,300 crore project will feature India’s first integrated Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS), marking a milestone in the nation’s urban mobility development.

The proposed elevated stretch will have a 29-metre-wide structure, revised from the earlier 25-metre plan following a central review. According to senior officials, the corridor will include additional lanes dedicated to the BRTS, which can also serve as emergency lanes when required. The design aims to balance passenger convenience with traffic efficiency while ensuring enhanced safety standards.

Elevators will be strategically installed every two kilometres, providing easy access to bus shelters and improving last-mile connectivity for commuters. The corridor will integrate seamlessly with the upcoming Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR), creating an interconnected transport network that enhances connectivity between southern suburbs and key economic zones.

NHAI officials stated that the elevated corridor is designed to reduce traffic congestion and accidents along one of Tamil Nadu’s busiest highways. The Chennai–Tiruchi section of the GST Road currently witnesses heavy vehicular movement, particularly around industrial hubs and residential developments near Mahindra City and Kilambakkam. The project also targets 14 identified blackspots—high-risk zones known for frequent accidents—making the route significantly safer for daily commuters.

Once completed, the elevated corridor will not only decongest the ground-level traffic but also promote eco-friendly public transportation through its integrated BRTS design. The initiative aligns with Chennai’s broader vision of sustainable urban mobility and smart infrastructure growth, providing faster, safer, and more efficient travel options for thousands of commuters each day.

This project represents a significant step in transforming Chennai’s transport infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a growing metropolitan hub with world-class road connectivity.