Chennai’s technology corridor is set to undergo a major traffic infrastructure upgrade as authorities move forward with plans to construct OMR grade separators at two of the busiest intersections along Old Mahabalipuram Road.
The project is intended to reduce congestion on a critical commuter route connecting residential neighbourhoods, technology parks and employment hubs in the city’s southern corridor.Urban transport authorities have finalised a construction contract valued at more than ₹113 crore for the design and development of grade separators at the Perungudi and SRP Tools junctions. The work will also include the creation of service roads, storm water drainage networks and supporting electrical infrastructure, with construction expected to be completed within approximately 18 months.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to improve mobility along the Old Mahabalipuram Road stretch, widely known as Chennai’s IT corridor. This arterial route carries significant daily traffic, linking the city’s central districts with rapidly expanding suburbs that host major technology campuses, research centers and residential developments.Traffic planners say the Perungudi intersection upgrade will introduce a dedicated ramp designed to streamline right-turn vehicle movements from MGR Main Road towards Sholinganallur.
By separating these turning vehicles from through traffic, the new structure is expected to minimize delays and reduce conflict points that often lead to congestion at busy urban intersections.At the SRP Tools junction, the proposed grade separator will enable uninterrupted right-turn traffic from Old Mahabalipuram Road toward the Velachery–Taramani Link Road. This connection plays a key role in distributing traffic between the IT corridor and surrounding residential zones, which have seen rapid population growth in recent years.Urban mobility specialists note that grade separators are commonly used in dense metropolitan corridors where conventional signalized intersections struggle to handle rising traffic volumes. By allowing certain traffic movements to bypass signal-controlled junctions, these structures can significantly improve travel efficiency while reducing idle vehicle emissions caused by long waiting times.The infrastructure works are also being coordinated alongside the ongoing construction of an elevated metro line along parts of the IT corridor. Integrating road improvements with mass transit development is increasingly viewed as essential for ensuring that large infrastructure projects function cohesively rather than creating isolated solutions.Experts say the Old Mahabalipuram Road corridor represents one of Chennai’s most important economic zones, hosting a large concentration of technology companies and employment centres. Efficient connectivity in this region is therefore not only a mobility issue but also an economic priority for the city.
As construction progresses, urban planners emphasis the importance of balancing road expansion with sustainable transport strategies, including metro connectivity and improved public transport access. Together, these measures are expected to support smoother commuting patterns while reinforcing Chennai’s long-term vision of building more resilient and efficient urban infrastructure systems.
Chennai Road Upgrades Target OMR Congestion.
