CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has expedited the construction of the Ganeshapuram Road Over Bridge (ROB) following a three-month delay. Work had previously been halted in October due to the North-East monsoon.

Civic body officials confirmed that 60% of the work was completed, and the entire project was expected to be finished by July this year.

According to GCC officials, 90% of land acquisition has been finalised, with the remaining currently in progress. The Chennai district administration has completed private negotiations for 29 land parcels; the remaining nine parcels are being acquired through legal processes.

The project was originally launched in January 2023 with a two-year deadline. However, delays in land acquisition and a lack of coordination between the Railways, GCC, and other departments have pushed the project into its third year.

G Sarath Kumar, founder of Vysaithozhargal, highlighted the necessity of the ROB, saying: “During every monsoon, especially during cyclones, the Ganeshapuram subway stagnates under five feet of water. Residents from Vyasarpadi, Ezhil Nagar, Pulianthope, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, and Erukkancherry are forced to take long detours to reach Egmore and other parts of the city. The prolonged construction time has forced the small establishment owners to lock out of business for months. Despite several petitions to officials to expedite the work, progress has been slow. Once finished, however, the flyover will significantly reduce traffic congestion in the Perambur and Vyasarpadi areas.”

The ROB will benefit the thousands of people in North Chennai, including the areas of Ezhil Nagar, Vyasarpadi, Perambur, Pulianthope, Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, Erukkancherry, and other neighbourhoods.