The road connectivity in Chengalpattu and Tiruvannamalai districts has significantly improved with the completion of the widening of the 109-km Cheyyur-Vandavasi-Polur road. The expansion has increased the road’s width to 10 meters, accommodating two lanes with paved shoulders, compared to its earlier width of 5 to 7 meters.

The project, executed over seven years under the Chennai-Kanniyakumari Industrial Corridor initiative with support from the Asian Development Bank, was completed at a cost of Rs 11.41 billion. The newly upgraded road enhances transportation efficiency by reducing travel time for government and private buses, as well as heavy vehicles operating along industrial corridors from Cheyyur and surrounding areas. In addition to improving connectivity between interior villages in Chengalpattu and Tiruvannamalai, the road links to the East Coast Road (ECR), Chennai-Tiruchy National Highway, and Villupuram-Mangaluru National Highway.

As part of the development, bypasses have been introduced for Maruthadu, Vandavasi, and Kettupattu to facilitate smoother traffic movement. The project also includes the installation of stormwater drains, culverts, five major bridges, 14 minor bridges, and 225 culverts, along with streetlights, road safety measures, and bus shelters. A total of 47,700 trees have been planted along the route as part of environmental sustainability efforts. The road will be maintained by a private contractor for the next seven years to ensure its upkeep and durability.

News source: The New Indian Express