Demolition Drive: Clearing the Path for Port-Maduravoyal Corridor

Authorities have begun demolishing over 20 buildings encroaching on the banks of the Cooum River in Arumbakkam to clear space for the 20.9-kilometer Port–Maduravoyal elevated corridor, a key infrastructure project. The state highways department, supported by 100 police personnel and two earth movers, led the operation. The demolished structures—mainly commercial—had occupied the riverbanks for nearly 20 years. So far, around 200 meters by 50 meters of riverbank have been reclaimed, with over 50 additional encroachments slated for removal in the coming days.

The corridor, executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with local enforcement by the state, will include a 15.5-km elevated stretch over the river, supported by 650 pillars—525 of which will stand within the riverbed. Cleared areas will be used for pillar construction, while land acquisition from private owners will proceed for other segments.

NHAI has also cordoned off a 10-foot-wide section on either side of Poonamallee High Road between Koyambedu and Maduravoyal to support construction. Existing 2009-era pillars in the area may be dismantled and rebuilt. Piling and foundation work is ongoing in areas like Chetpet, Egmore, and Chindadripet. The project, formalized via a 2022 MoU, is expected to be completed by 2027.

Separately, progress has resumed on the long-delayed widening of the 13.4-km Pallavaram–Kundrathur–Poonamallee Road. Encroachments were recently cleared in Karima Nagar, despite resident protests that were managed by officials. This road links southern and western suburbs and is crucial for decongesting traffic. Kundrathur municipal officials confirmed that further evictions will be carried out in phases.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.