Work On Chennai’s First Steel Bridge Soon, Traffic Flow Between OMR and ECR To Improve

In a major infrastructural milestone, Chennai is set to get its first-ever steel bridge, connecting Thoraipakkam and Neelankarai across the Buckingham Canal. The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned ₹35 crore for the project, which aims to enhance connectivity between key parts of South Chennai.

The bridge's design has been finalized, ensuring that it is built at a height allowing boats to pass beneath. Officials from the Highways Department revealed that the project would facilitate the extension of the Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road, improving access from GST Road to East Coast Road (ECR).

Construction Timeline and Challenges

The tendering process for the bridge is in its final stages, and construction is set to commence by the end of April. The project is expected to be completed within nine months.

Residents of Thoraipakkam have long faced connectivity issues between Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) and ECR, particularly during peak hours. The absence of a link road has forced heavy vehicles onto narrow pedestrian bridges, causing frequent traffic congestion. The new steel bridge is expected to alleviate these challenges.

However, land acquisition remains a hurdle. According to a retired Highways Department official, the Water Resources Department (WRD) needs to relocate 43 houses on the Thoraipakkam side, while the Revenue Department must provide compensation to residents of CLRI Nagar in Neelankarai. Authorities are working to resolve these issues in a timely manner to ensure seamless progress on the project.

Road Expansion Plans

Alongside the bridge, road infrastructure improvements are also underway. On the OMR side, 800 meters of roadwork has been completed, while an additional 600 meters needs to be laid on the ECR side. Once completed, the bridge will significantly reduce travel time and ease traffic congestion for thousands of daily commuters.

With this steel bridge, Chennai moves a step closer to improving urban connectivity and ensuring smoother transportation across the city.