The long-awaited arm of the Perungalathur flyover has finally opened to the public in Chennai, marking the completion of a crucial infrastructure project delayed for two decades. State minister T N Anbarasan and Member of Parliament TR Baalu inaugurated the 830-meter section, linking Tambaram with Guduvancheri. This segment represents a significant operational portion of the 234 crore project, benefitting two primary groups of motorists: Perungalathur residents and those traveling from Chennai to Chengalpet highway.
For years, Perungalathur residents faced the inconvenience of taking a U-turn near a small rotary flyover close to Vandalur. The new ramp now allows them to make a U-turn at the new flyover and take a free left turn to reach their neighborhood. Similarly, those leaving the city or heading to Mahindra City can utilize the flyover to make a U-turn at the Peerkankaranai end to access the national highway.
The new arm has significantly eased congestion on the highway underneath, allowing private cars and motorcycles, especially those commuting to Chennai, to bypass the bottleneck at the signal and bus stand below. The project, which had been in the works for nearly two decades, faced multiple delays due to land acquisition issues and the pandemic.
Traffic on this stretch is expected to increase once the Tambaram Eastern Bypass is completed. Resident-activist Dayanand Krishnan from Tambaram has urged the authorities to deploy police to regulate traffic and prevent chaos as more vehicles begin to use the new flyover.
The opening of the Perungalathur flyover is a welcome development for Chennai, easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity for residents and commuters. It is a testament to the perseverance of the authorities and the public who have been working towards this project for so long. It is hoped that this project will pave the way for further infrastructure development in the city, leading to a smoother and more efficient transportation system.
