Work on three subways to begin soon on Chennai - Tiruchi NH

Construction of vehicular subways on Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway to reduce accidents, with completion expected by October 2025.

Work on three limited vehicular subways on the Chennai - Tiruchi National Highway (NH- 45) at Maduranthakam, Padalam and Pukkathurai in Chengalpattu district will commence shortly. The subways, whose preliminary works are currently being carried out, are coming up at accident-prone black spots.

Sources in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said that the ₹89.26-crore works also include the construction of a 1,175 mt. long flyover at the junction of the new road to Krishnagiri from Tindivanam. These works are being taken up as long-term correction of black spots.” 

At present, the preliminary works, including the formation of service lanes, shifting of utility lines, construction of stormwater drains, and pre-casting of retaining walls for the subways, are being carried out. “On completion of service lanes, traffic would be diverted so that construction can be taken up on the main carriageway. So far, around 7.8% of the total works have been completed,” said an official source. 

The subways, which would have space allocated for pedestrians, will be able to permit bikes, cycles, and cars. The cement concrete panels of the subways would be assembled at the locations. “Since these are being taken up to correct black spots, pedestrian safety and comfort must be taken into consideration as pedestrians form a significant section who are involved in accidents,” said another official.  

The subway at Pukkathurai will be 1,080 mt. long, the one at Padalam 1,090 mt. long, and the one at Maduranthakam will be 840 mt. long. The facilities are likely to be completed by October 2025.

K. Nehru, who lost his biryani shop due to the widening of the road in Pukkathurai, said accidents occur frequently due to an increase in the number of cars and two-wheelers after the pandemic. “Motorists drive very fast. Earlier, we used to have accidents involving buses and trucks.Youngsters, who ride bikes, don’t bother about speed restrictions. Similarly, subways are coming up at Maduranthakam and Padalam. These are very necessary to reduce speeding vehicles,” he said.