Four new flyovers planned in city

According to sources, as the number of vehicles are gradually on the rise, Chennai is witnessing traffic congestion on many stretches. Considering this, the Road and Bridge Construction division (of the Corporation of Chennai) was in the process of identifying spots, where traffic jams recur. Officials have identified four stretches, namely in T Nagar, Kolathur-Villivakkam, Ennore-Manali and Ega Theatre (Poonamallee High Road)-Valluvar Kottam. 

Officials said it was a long drawn process to identify areas of congestion and they were in the hope that traffic congestion would reduce, to a certain extent after the construction of flyovers. S Sudhakar, the Executive Engineer (Road and Bridge construction, North Wing), told DT Next that they would take up construction works soon. “Based on the opinions of all the stakeholders, we have identified these spots and the congestion would be reduced in these places after completion of flyovers,” he noted. 

Proposals with regard to construction had already been sent and the officials were ready to take up works. “The tenders have already been floated and work would start shortly. Further, construction of all the flyovers would be undertaken simultaneously to ensure speedy completion of works,” said another engineer, on condition of anonymity. 

“Although the city has several flyovers, traffic congestion has not reduced. It is time officials took stock of the situation and constructed more over-bridges in the city,” says K Thangabalu, an MTC driver. Encouraged by the Corporation’s move, he said flyovers in these stretches needed to be constructed on a priority basis. He added that officials should be constantly in monitoring the traffic situation here.