The Tamil Nadu government has renewed its support for the much-anticipated Port-Maduravoyal elevated expressway project, committing to the implementation of the ₹3,570 crore initiative.
The project, which was first initiated under the Congress-led UPA government but later suspended by the previous administration in 2012, has faced numerous delays, including legal challenges and bureaucratic hurdles. However, with the signing of the ‘state support agreement’ on Wednesday, the project is set to move forward with renewed vigour.
The elevated expressway, designed to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity between key parts of the city, has made some progress, albeit slower than expected. As of the latest updates, 812 out of the 5,296 piles and 41 out of the 882 pile caps have been constructed. However, work was stalled for several months last year due to a directive from the National Green Tribunal, which prevented construction during the monsoon season. Despite these setbacks, the project is back on track, with the Minister for Public Works stating that continuous review meetings are being conducted with various stakeholders, including the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the Water Resources Department, and local police and municipal authorities, to resolve issues and expedite construction.
The elevated expressway, which will span a significant stretch of the city, is set to pass over the Cooum River for approximately 15 km. This aspect of the project has necessitated the acquisition of no-objection certificates from the Water Resources Department, along with the resettlement of residents living along the riverbanks and the relocation of power utilities. While the project has faced logistical challenges, these issues are being addressed in collaboration with the relevant agencies, ensuring that the project can move ahead with minimal disruption to local communities. In addition to the technical aspects of the project, political discussions have also surfaced. A Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) has called for the expressway to be named after a former Chief Minister, highlighting the political dimension of such large-scale infrastructure projects. Furthermore, there have been suggestions to extend the expressway from Poonamallee to the Outer Ring Road, a proposal that could potentially enhance the project’s scope and impact on city-wide connectivity.
The Port-Maduravoyal elevated expressway is not just a vital project for Chennai’s traffic management, but also a significant step towards modernising the city’s infrastructure. As the project advances, it offers the promise of more sustainable and efficient urban transport options, reducing travel time, cutting down on road congestion, and easing the pressure on the city’s existing transport networks. Despite the hurdles that have delayed the project, the renewed commitment from the state government signals an important shift in its development priorities. This project forms part of the broader push for infrastructure modernisation in Chennai, aligning with global trends of developing eco-friendly and efficient urban transport solutions. The completion of the Port-Maduravoyal expressway will not only alleviate traffic woes but also play a critical role in fostering sustainable growth in one of India’s most dynamic cities. As the project progresses, the focus will likely turn to ensuring that it integrates seamlessly with the city’s overall transport strategy, with attention to minimising environmental impact and improving the quality of life for residents. The commitment to overcoming challenges and accelerating the pace of work bodes well for the future of Chennai’s infrastructure development and its aspirations to emerge as a more connected, sustainable, and efficient urban hub.
