Initially, the elevated corridor project, estimated at Rs 35.23 billion, was supposed to commence at Perungalathur and terminate beyond Paranur Toll Plaza, traversing 15 major and minor intersections on the GST Road, as outlined in the draft DPR. The projected cost per kilometer for the elevated project stands at Rs 1.47 billion.

Sources have revealed that this reconsideration stemmed from the realization that the extensive elevated road would incur exorbitant project costs, resulting in substantially high toll charges, thus posing an additional burden on road users. Accordingly, the revised plan aims to erect multiple flyovers instead of a singular elevated corridor to alleviate the toll burden.

Existing grade separators or flyovers already exist at all major junctions between Perungalathur and Vandalur. NHAI is contemplating the construction of a seven-kilometer long elevated corridor from Iyencheri junction to Potheri to facilitate the unimpeded entry and exit of buses to the Kilambakkam terminus, thus bypassing Urapakkam, Guduvancheri, and Kattankulathur junctions, according to sources.

We have tasked the consultant with pinpointing the specific locations where the elevated stretches or flyovers should be erected. Following the submission of the DPR, we will reach a final decision, stated the sources. It is anticipated that the elevated stretches will be developed at Maraimalai Nagar, Ford Factory, Singaperumal Koil, and Mahindra City junctions.

The proposed elevated roads or flyovers will be six-lane structures along the GST Road, with provisions for local traffic to utilise lanes beneath them.

NHAI has already completed the eight-laning of the Tambaram-Chettipuniyam stretch by narrowing the median width on the GST Road. Subsequently, the completion of road widening efforts has significantly alleviated traffic congestion. The GST Road witnesses approximately 1.5 lakh vehicles daily. Once the construction of the ROB-cum-grade separator at Perungalathur concludes, traffic movement between Tambaram and Urapakkam junctions is expected to be unimpeded.