The much-awaited OMR-ECR Link Road project in South Chennai has finally gained momentum as the state highways department prepares to acquire private properties and clear land blocks. The ₹204.2 crore project, launched in 2020, aims to alleviate traffic congestion along the IT corridor by connecting two major arterial roads—Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) and East Coast Road (ECR).
Spanning 1.4 km, the project has been delayed due to land acquisition hurdles. The first phase, which includes constructing a road on the OMR side and building a bridge over Buckingham Canal, is nearly complete, with 670 metres laid. The second phase, focused on the ECR side, had stalled but is now set to proceed as litigation issues near resolution. Notices have been issued for the acquisition of 3.2 acres of private land at an estimated cost of ₹142 crore.
Once completed, the link road promises to cut travel time between ECR and Chennai International Airport to under 40 minutes, with direct access to the Thoraipakkam-Pallavaram Radial Road. It is expected to significantly decongest the Sholinganallur and Thiruvanmiyur junctions, benefitting around 30,000 vehicles daily. Currently, commuters must rely on congested alternatives like LB Road or Sholinganallur junction, leading to prolonged delays during peak hours.
From a civic and sustainability perspective, the project aligns with urban mobility goals by improving connectivity and reducing emissions caused by gridlocked traffic. However, residents like G. Satish have raised concerns over the slow pace of land acquisition and urged authorities to expedite similar link road projects along the OMR corridor, such as one connecting Sholinganallur to Kelambakkam.
