NHAI Considers New Plan for Reduction of Project Cost The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is exploring alternative plans in an effort to reduce the project cost and ease the financial burden on road users. Initially, NHAI had proposed the construction of a 27-kilometer long elevated corridor from Tambaram to Chengalpattu on the GST Road. However, due to concerns over high toll charges, the organization is now contemplating the construction of multiple elevated stretches or flyovers instead. Reasons for the Change of Plans Sources reveal that NHAI decided to reconsider their approach after realizing that building an extensive elevated road would lead to exorbitant project costs, ultimately resulting in higher toll charges. By constructing multiple flyovers instead of a singular elevated corridor, NHAI aims to alleviate the toll burden on road users and ensure smooth traffic flow. Revised Plan Details Under the revised plan, NHAI intends to construct a seven-kilometer long elevated corridor from Iyencheri junction to Potheri, facilitating the unimpeded entry and exit of buses to the Kilambakkam terminus. This elevated corridor would bypass Urapakkam, Guduvancheri, and Kattankulathur junctions, improving traffic flow in the area. To determine the specific locations for these elevated stretches or flyovers, NHAI has appointed a consultant. The consultant will pinpoint the areas where the construction should take place, taking into consideration alleviation of traffic congestion, improved access for local traffic, and the overall flow of vehicles along the GST Road. Proposed Locations and Design The envisaged elevated stretches or flyovers are expected to be erected at Maraimalai Nagar, Ford Factory, Singaperumal Koil, and Mahindra City junctions. These new additions will be six-lane structures, integrated into the existing GST Road, with provisions for local traffic to use lanes beneath the elevated stretches. This design aims to promote enhanced traffic management and accessibility as well as reduce congestion issues faced by road users. State of Current Road Developments NHAI has already taken steps to improve traffic conditions on the GST Road. The completion of widening efforts, including the project that saw the eight-laning of the Tambaram-Chettipuniyam stretch, significantly alleviated traffic congestion in the area. Furthermore, once the construction of the Road Over Bridge-cum-grade separator at Perungalathur is completed, traffic movement between Tambaram and Urapakkam junctions is expected to flow freely. Conclusion Upon final submission of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), NHAI will assess the consultant’s recommendations and make a final decision regarding the future construction of the elevated stretches or flyovers along the GST Road. The revised plan aims to strike a balance between improving traffic flow and minimizing the financial burden imposed on road users, signifying NHAI’s commitment to efficient and cost-effective infrastructure development.
NHAI considers multiple flyovers to reduce toll burden on road users
