One of Chennai’s key road infrastructure projects is taking shape on Anna Salai, with a 3.2 km elevated corridor being constructed over an operational underground Metro tunnel. The project, designed to ease congestion between Teynampet and Saidapet, is now around 70% complete, with authorities targeting the end of November for completion. Scroll down to know more.
Chennai Anna Salai 3.2 Km Long corridor Nears Completion
The four-lane elevated corridor is being built using already assembled steel components and is anticipated to provide a faster alternative to the heavily congested stretch of Anna Salai.
A key challenge is the location of the project. Around 2.4 km of the 3.2 km corridor will be at ground level above the underground Metro tunnel, including a 460-metre section passing over Teynampet and Nandanam Metro stations. The Metro tunnel lies around 14 to 15 metres below Anna Salai, requiring engineers to adopt construction techniques that minimise any impact on the operational Metro system.
To maintain a safe distance from the tunnel, foundation drilling for the elevated corridor has been limited to around seven metres below the road surface. Once finished, the elevated corridor is expected to significantly improve traffic movement between Teynampet and Saidapet. Officials estimate that the journey, which can currently take around 30 minutes, could be reduced to roughly five minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The project is also planned to ease congestion at seven major junctions, including Eldams Road, SIET College Road, Cenotaph Road, Nandanam, CIT Nagar, CIT Nagar First Main Road towards T Nagar and Jones Road.
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Project To Be Completed By November 2026
As of August 1, 46 of the planned 69 piers had been constructed, while reinforced concrete deck slabs had been completed across around 2 km of the corridor. Work is also underway to install 41 portal frames along the 460-metre section above the two Metro stations. The project relies heavily on prefabricated construction. Around 15,000 tonnes of steel components, including piers, pier caps and girders, are being manufactured at facilities in Gujarat and Telangana before being transported to Chennai for assembly.
The elevated corridor was earlier expected to be completed in September, but labour shortages delayed construction. Officials said workers involved in fabricating the steel components had returned to their hometowns during the April elections and did not immediately return. Construction at the Chennai site is also limited to around six hours at night, further restricting working time.
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The project is now expected to be completed by the end of November. Until then, motorists will continue to face traffic diversions due to the construction work as well as ongoing Metro Phase-II works along Anna Salai.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
FAQs
What is the status of Corridor 5 of the Chennai Metro?
Corridor 5 (Red Line) of the Chennai Metro Phase II—stretching 47 km from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur—is actively under construction.
Are Gemini Flyover and Anna flyover the same?
Yes, the Gemini Flyover and the Anna Flyover are the exact same landmark located in Chennai, India.
What is the longest flyover in Chennai?
The longest flyover in Chennai is the Medavakkam Flyover, which spans 2.03 kilometers along the Tambaram-Velachery Main Road.
