Delayed flyover project in Pallavaram chokes traffic

CHENNAI: Traffic congestion due to the ongoing construction of a flyover along Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road is a major inconvenience for motorists heading to the Chennai airport from the southern suburbs of the city.

Delay in construction of this key flyover at Pallvaram in South Chennai has worsened traffic conditions, particularly during rush hours.

The three-lane unidirectional grade separator, announced in 2013-14 at an estimated cost of ?69 crore, aims at easing traffic going towards Kathipara junction from Tambaram. This facility was designed to help vehicles cross three junctions — Pallavaram Shanty Road, Kundrathur Signal and Alstom Signal — with ease.

According to official data, every day more than two lakh vehicles use the GST Road and among them 15,000 cross the stretch where the flyover is coming up.

Construction begun in 2015 and July 2018 was set as the tentative deadline. But work got delayed due to land acquisition issues and shortage of sand, said state highway department officials.

Consequently, the cost escalated to ?82 crore, according to the department’s policy note.

Traffic routes were changed in order to facilitate construction. Motorists bound towards airport or Guindy from Tambaram or Chromepet had to opt for Indira Gandhi Road (near Ya Mohideen Biryani Centre) instead of continuing on GST Road.

V Santhanam from Federation of Civic and Welfare Associations of Pallavaram said despite the diversion, traffic was chaotic. It took an extra 45 minutes for cars and buses to cross the stretch during peak hours, he said.

“Besides airport-bound passengers, ambulances, office-goers and students, who regularly use this stretch, also find it increasingly difficult,” he said.

Traffic piles up right from Super Saravana Stores in Chrompet till Isro Transit Guest House Junction where the diverted vehicles converege on GST Road.

“Most of the private restaurants, textile and jewellery shops on this stretch do not have proper parking space. Vehicles can be seen dropping off and picking up passengers right in front of these shops. They are least bothered about others crossing the stretch,” said H Mukesh from Pallavaram.

Encroachments along the road and Pallavaram bus stand have usurped a portion of the road making movement of heavy vehicles, particularly government buses and trucks difficult.

“Even along the diverted stretch, the roads are chocked,” Mukesh said.

An official from the state highways department said work has picked up pace and the flyover will be completed within a year.