Chennai Nanganallur Gets Direct Road To Pazhavanthangal Subway Easing Traffic Congestion
Chennai has opened a long-awaited direct road linking Nanganallur to the Pazhavanthangal subway, providing residents of Vanuvampet, Ullagaram, Moovarasampet, and Madipakkam faster access to GST Road. The new route aims to ease peak-hour congestion, improve commuter safety, and streamline traffic flows across southern suburbs, marking a key step in the city’s efforts to create more connected and sustainable urban transport networks.
Until now, commuters from Nanganallur and neighbouring localities were forced to navigate longer, indirect routes to reach the subway, leading to significant bottlenecks during morning and evening rush hours. Narrow residential streets often bore the brunt of spillover traffic, raising safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists. “The direct road provides an essential shortcut, significantly reducing travel time while alleviating pressure on local streets,” said a municipal transport official familiar with the project.Traffic analysts note that the new connection is more than a convenience. It strategically integrates Nanganallur into the broader southern Chennai transport network, offering smoother access to GST Road, a major arterial route for commuters heading towards the city centre or the airport. Peak-hour travel times for residents could drop by 20–25%, while congestion-related emissions in surrounding areas are likely to decline, contributing to cleaner air and a lower urban carbon footprint.
Urban planners emphasise that this intervention aligns with Chennai’s vision for more sustainable and inclusive urban mobility. “Developing infrastructure that prioritises commuter safety, efficiency, and environmental impact is crucial for suburban growth,” said a senior urban planner. By redirecting traffic away from smaller lanes, the project not only enhances commuter experience but also supports the city’s broader climate resilience and net-zero objectives.The road also highlights the importance of integrating suburban neighbourhoods into Chennai’s long-term urban planning framework. Experts argue that supplementary measures such as better pedestrian crossings, cycling infrastructure, and public transport linkages will further amplify the benefits of the new route, ensuring it serves all residents equitably and sustainably.
For local communities, the direct connection promises more than just convenience—it improves daily life, safety, and access to economic opportunities. As Chennai continues to expand, infrastructure upgrades like the Nanganallur-Pazhavanthangal road will play a critical role in shaping suburbs that are safer, greener, and more resilient.
