State Highways Dept Fast-Tracks ₹139-Crore Padi ROB Expansion

The State Highways Department of Tamil Nadu has begun major widening works on the Padi Rail Overbridge (ROB) along Jawaharlal Nehru Salai (Inner Ring Road) in Chennai.

The ₹139-crore project will expand the existing three-lane bridge into a dual five-lane structure, increasing its width from 27 metres to 53 metres, including footpaths on both sides. The approach roads and adjoining stretches will also be widened to five lanes with a central median to improve traffic flow. The portion crossing the railway tracks will be executed by Southern Railway, which is sourcing girders from Arakkonam.

The project also includes the shifting of certain electrical lines and the construction of two U-shaped service roads beneath the Villivakkam ROB at a cost of ₹14 crore. These 7.5-metre-wide service roads will allow vehicles to make U-turns toward North Korattur and Padi without entering the busy junction.

Located between Villivakkam and Korattur railway stations, this stretch has long been a major traffic bottleneck. The widening work is expected to be completed by April and is likely to significantly improve traffic flow along the Inner Ring Road while reducing congestion and accidents.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.