CHENNAI: The long-awaited Radha Nagar subway in Chromepet was finally opened to traffic on Wednesday, bringing relief to thousands of residents in the area.
The project, which began in 2006 at an estimated cost of 14.75 crore, has been completed after 19 years at a final cost of 31 crore.
Over two lakh people use the railway crossing every day, and frequent closure of the gate has resulted in massive traffic congestion on GST Road and Radha Nagar Road.
Residents of Radha Nagar, Bharathi Nagar, Nemilichery, Kurinji Nagar and several surrounding neighbourhoods had been facing severe hardship due to prolonged traffic snarls.
In response to repeated demands, the Railways approved the construction of a subway for light motor vehicles at the LC-27 railway gate.
Railway-related works were completed in 2006. However, the remaining portion of the project, which fell under the Highways Department, remained stalled for more than a decade.
The Highways Department resumed work on the project in 2019 after floating tenders for Rs 14.75 crore.
Progress was again disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, land acquisition issues, including the demolition of 46 buildings for approach road construction, after providing compensation and alternate housing to the affected owners.
Although the subway was announced to be opened by July 2025, the deadline was missed again.
Additional works, including creating turning space for vehicles and constructing pedestrian pathways, required the acquisition of about 100 feet by 10 feet of railway land, which further delayed the opening.
With all pending works now completed, the Radha Nagar subway was formally inaugurated on Wednesday evening by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. His official vehicle was the first to pass through the subway, marking the commencement of traffic operations.