Chennai Allocates 30 Crore For Direct Road Linking Nanganallur To Pazhavanthangal Subway
Chennai is set to improve connectivity in Nanganallur as the Greater Chennai Corporation allocates ₹29.57 crore to acquire land for a direct link road connecting Nanganallur Fifth Main Road to the Pazhavanthangal subway. The new 120-metre route aims to reduce daily traffic congestion, prevent accidents on narrow residential streets, and provide safer access for schoolchildren and commuters from surrounding localities, including Vanuvampet, Ullagaram, Moovarasampet, and Madipakkam.
Pazhavanthangal, situated in the Alandur zone, serves as a critical access point to the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road. Currently, vehicles must navigate winding residential lanes to reach the subway, causing frequent traffic snarls and minor accidents. Observations at the junction near Vembuli Amman Koil Street reveal motorists occasionally violating one-way rules to reach College Road, creating safety risks for pedestrians, particularly schoolchildren.The proposed road is a response to more than two decades of appeals from local residents. “Once the road is constructed, residents and children using this route daily will see significant benefits,” said V Ramarao, president of the Nanganallur Senior Citizens Association. Previous petitions were delayed due to funding constraints and feasibility concerns, highlighting the long-standing demand for improved connectivity in the area.
Land acquisition is central to the project, with 1,069 square metres earmarked for the new road. While a small portion is government-owned, 979 square metres of private land will be acquired. Fourteen of the seventeen affected residential buildings have already provided no-objection certificates. Officials have also emphasised the removal of encroachments along the route to streamline traffic flow during peak hours and reduce congestion near the Nanganallur market.Alandur’s former councillor B Kumar highlighted that evening traffic spikes were worsened by encroachments along narrow lanes. He expects the direct link to alleviate pressure on local streets and restore safer passage for pedestrians. The Greater Chennai Corporation has appointed a special officer to oversee the project, with construction scheduled to begin once land acquisition concludes.
Urban planners note that targeted infrastructure interventions like this not only enhance commuter safety but also contribute to Chennai’s broader vision of inclusive, sustainable urban development. By reducing congestion on residential streets, the project aligns with long-term goals of creating safer, greener, and more accessible city spaces, supporting the shift toward equitable urban mobility.
