The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) have launched a feasibility study to widen six key arterial roads to four lanes. The study, which began in late January, covers Gandhi Mandapam Road, Sardar Patel Road, New Avadi Road, Dr Radhakrishnan Road, Paper Mills Road and Kamarajar Salai. The initiative is being viewed as a cornerstone infrastructure upgrade to tackle the mounting pressures of urbanisation.
Officials involved in the study indicated that upon completion, a detailed proposal and budget will be drafted. This will include considerations for land acquisition and the integration of the road-widening project with Chennai’s broader mobility and master plans. The authorities assert that the aim is to decongest arterial corridors and improve connectivity, especially as the city’s population and vehicle density continue to rise sharply.
However, the move has met with apprehension from urban planners and civic groups. Critics argue that the expansion may not necessarily deliver the intended relief, particularly on roads like Dr Radhakrishnan Road and Kamarajar Salai, where the built environment is already saturated with commercial, institutional, and religious structures. With existing widths ranging from 20 to 25 metres, the physical space for widening is limited, and the risk of compromising building setbacks and pedestrian infrastructure looms large. A city-based Geographic Information Systems (GIS) consultant pointed out that increasing road capacity often results in “induced demand,” where more vehicles occupy the newly created space, bringing congestion back to square one. Instead, experts advocate for policies that regulate vertical development through stricter Floor Space Index (FSI) norms. “Without FSI control, vertical sprawl will continue unchecked, adding further strain on road infrastructure and public services,” the consultant said.
Additionally, the conversion of setback spaces into road extensions could lead to further challenges. In many cases, these setback areas currently serve as informal parking zones. Encroaching on them may push vehicles into carriageways, reducing usable road space and putting non-motorised road users at greater risk. The larger issue at stake is Chennai’s urban liveability. While road infrastructure improvements are essential, urban mobility experts stress that a truly sustainable city requires integrated transport planning—where road upgrades are balanced with public transit investment, pedestrian safety, and ecological considerations. Chennai’s plans must also align with broader environmental goals, including reducing carbon emissions and promoting climate-resilient infrastructure.
The GCC has maintained that the ongoing study is only a preliminary step, and that feedback from stakeholders, including residents and planning experts, will play a role in shaping the final proposal. With the feasibility report expected shortly, the project could become a touchstone for how Indian cities negotiate the complex demands of infrastructure modernisation, citizen rights, and sustainable development. As the debate intensifies, Chennai’s attempt to reimagine its road network stands as a test case for urban India—where the race to expand must be balanced with the wisdom to preserve.
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Chennai Roads Set for Major Expansion
