Chennai’s Bojaraja Nagar Subway Faces Major Delays
The long-awaited Limited Use Subway (LUS) project at Bojaraja Nagar, aimed at easing traffic congestion in North Chennai, has faced several delays, much to the frustration of commuters and emergency responders. Originally slated for completion by July 2024, the subway, situated near Kannan Street and Mint Bridge, is now expected to be finished only by January 2025. The ₹13.41 crore project, under the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), was intended to address traffic disruptions at level crossing No. 11A, but it has encountered unforeseen hurdles that have extended its timeline significantly.
The subway project, which began in July 2022 after the Railways Department issued a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), was initially planned with a 24-month completion window. However, the project has been delayed due to several factors, including issues with utility relocations and unanticipated complications with underground pipelines. GCC officials, in their communications, have admitted that while work on the Bojaraja Nagar side of the project has been completed, progress on the Kannan Street side has been hindered by the relocation of critical pipelines, including those of Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewage Board (CMWSSB), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), and TANGEDCO utilities.
The delays have caused significant inconvenience to local residents and commuters, particularly during peak traffic hours. Mohamed Aadhif, an advocate who commutes through the area, lodged a formal complaint in October 2024, highlighting the safety risks and traffic disruptions caused by the ongoing construction. He pointed out an incident where an ambulance was delayed for several minutes near the Mint Bridge railway crossing, the only functional entry and exit point in the area due to the construction. The delays not only pose challenges for daily commuters but also threaten to worsen emergency response times in an already congested urban environment.
Further complicating matters, GCC officials have cited complications such as the discovery of additional oil pipelines during excavation work. According to a Bridges Department official, IOCL had initially assured that certain pipelines were “dummy,” but it was later found that these pipelines were leaking oil, further stalling progress. The detection of loose soil during excavation also contributed to delays, adding to the project’s mounting challenges. These unforeseen issues reflect broader concerns regarding urban planning and infrastructure projects in rapidly growing cities like Chennai, where such delays and complications are becoming increasingly common.
From a sustainability perspective, the delay in completing the Bojaraja Nagar subway underscores the challenges of urban infrastructure development. As cities like Chennai continue to expand, the pressure on transport systems and utilities grows, necessitating careful planning and coordination to avoid such disruptions. While the subway promises to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality by alleviating bottlenecks at the level crossing, the ongoing delays raise questions about the efficiency and management of civic projects. Delays in projects like these also have broader implications for sustainability, as they hinder the city’s ability to improve its traffic infrastructure and reduce the carbon footprint associated with traffic congestion.
In conclusion, while the Bojaraja Nagar subway holds the potential to improve traffic flow and contribute to Chennai’s long-term sustainability goals, its continued delay reflects the complexities and challenges of executing large-scale urban infrastructure projects. With the project now scheduled for completion in January 2025, residents and commuters alike hope that these setbacks will be overcome swiftly, ensuring the subway’s timely delivery and alleviating the strain on the city’s traffic and emergency response systems. The lessons learned from this delay may serve as crucial inputs for future infrastructure projects, helping to streamline processes and mitigate the risks associated with urban development.
