Chennai Flyover Plan To Ease Velachery Traffic Bottlenecks
In a major step to decongest the traffic-stricken Velachery Main Road, civic authorities have proposed a new 3-kilometre-long steel composite flyover that promises smoother commutes and enhanced pedestrian access. Stretching from 300 metres beyond the Sardar Patel Road junction to the Velachery Bypass, the flyover will bridge key choke points including Five Furlong Road, Race Course Road, and the congested Guru Nanak College junction. With a width of 11 metres and three lanes, this elevated corridor is designed to cater to high-density traffic flow in one of southern Chennai’s busiest urban corridors.
The proposed infrastructure aims to transform everyday mobility for thousands of commuters navigating between Guindy and Velachery, especially during peak hours when traffic volumes at Five Furlong Road and Guru Nanak College junctions reach 7,459 and 7,742 PCUs respectively. To support efficient vehicular movement, the flyover design incorporates uni-directional down ramps for both inbound and outbound traffic. Service roads measuring 5.5 metres and pedestrian-friendly footpaths on either side of the main road are also part of the plan, indicating a conscious attempt to balance motor traffic needs with pedestrian safety and access. By reducing idling time and streamlining arterial traffic, this development could significantly lower roadside emissions in the area.
Engineers have chosen a steel composite girder structure for the flyover, ensuring greater durability, lower construction timelines, and better seismic resilience. According to civic officials, columns and piers will either be concrete or steel depending on terrain and load distribution. The flyover is one of two key bridges greenlit by the state in the 2025–26 budget, part of a broader strategy to modernise Chennai’s road infrastructure. Construction tenders have already been issued, indicating that groundwork could commence shortly. The use of a steel structure not only reflects advancements in civil engineering but also presents opportunities for sustainable material sourcing and modular installation.
However, beyond the engineering and budgetary decisions lies the lived reality of daily commuters and residents. Velachery residents—particularly from areas like Nehru Nagar, Maduvinkarai, and Checkpost—have long endured hour-long standstills just to access Phoenix Mall or travel to 200-Feet Road. Weekends worsen congestion, with traffic snarls persisting through the day. Many households report that short errands become prolonged due to the lack of uninterrupted vehicular flow. A project of this scale, if executed efficiently, could drastically reduce commute fatigue and increase access to vital commercial and transit points, especially for students, workers, and senior citizens.
From an urban development perspective, the new flyover is more than a transport project—it signals a shift toward a more connected, carbon-conscious Chennai. When paired with pedestrian walkways and service lanes, such flyovers contribute to equitable mobility, reducing traffic-related stress for both drivers and walkers. That said, for meaningful long-term impact, civic planners must also ensure surrounding junctions are redesigned for multimodal access and local businesses are not displaced during construction. The emphasis must remain on making cities accessible and liveable for all, not just those on four wheels.
