Chennai First Steel Flyover Opens October One Cost One Thirty One Crore
Chennai is poised to inaugurate its first steel flyover on October 1, marking a landmark in urban infrastructure for the bustling T Nagar area. Spanning 1.2 kilometres, the flyover connects South Usman Road with CIT Nagar 1st Main Road and promises to significantly reduce travel time through the often-congested Panagal Park junction, facilitating smoother movement between Anna Salai and the commercial hub.
The ₹131-crore project, jointly overseen by city officials and transport experts, is only the second fully steel bridge in Tamil Nadu after Marthandam in Kanyakumari. It is designed with 53 steel piers supporting three 8.5-metre-wide girders, topped with a steel deck and a 20-centimetre concrete slab finished with a bitumen road surface. Rising 6.5 metres above ground and supported by foundations extending 30 metres underground, the structure is built for a projected lifespan of 50 years.
City transport planners highlighted that the flyover, designed for two-lane traffic, will accommodate growing vehicular flow while ensuring long-term durability. Officials confirmed that final touches, including road laying, median markings, and signage installation, are underway, with over 96% of construction already completed since its March 2023 commencement.Urban planning experts noted that the flyover is a critical component of Chennai’s strategy to modernise its transport corridors while supporting sustainable urban mobility. By reducing congestion and idling time at intersections, the project aligns with eco-friendly transport goals, potentially lowering vehicle emissions and improving commuter experience across T Nagar.
“This flyover is more than just a traffic solution; it represents Chennai’s commitment to combining modern engineering with sustainable urban development,” said an official from the city’s infrastructure department. The integration of steel technology ensures structural longevity and rapid construction, reflecting global best practices in flyover engineering.The flyover also reflects the city’s efforts to balance rapid urbanisation with resilient infrastructure. With traffic pressure intensifying due to commercial growth in T Nagar and surrounding areas, the project is expected to ease peak-hour bottlenecks significantly, promoting safer and more efficient road usage.
As Chennai prepares for the flyover’s official opening, city authorities are coordinating with transport and traffic management teams to ensure a smooth integration into existing road networks. The project stands as a model for future infrastructure initiatives in India’s metropolitan cities, combining technical innovation, durability, and sustainability.
