July 31, 2025 | Location: Chennai
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has announced the initiation of a land plan schedule to address growing traffic congestion in Central Chennai by developing slip roads and widening existing roadways. The move comes after a formal petition submitted by Central Chennai MP Dayanidhi Maran to Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.
The urban infrastructure plan is aimed at eliminating key traffic choke points and improving traffic flow in high-density zones.
Petition Spurs Action
MP Dayanidhi Maran highlighted the daily struggle faced by commuters in areas such as Nungambakkam, T. Nagar, and Egmore, where traffic gridlocks have become routine. In his letter, he urged for immediate administrative and engineering solutions to alleviate public inconvenience and economic loss due to delayed travel times.
Following the petition, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin directed GCC officials to act swiftly and develop a comprehensive roadmap.
GCC to Draft Land Plan Schedule
In compliance with the directive, the Greater Chennai Corporation’s engineering division will begin surveying and drafting land use plans. The land plan schedule will map out:
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Areas for potential slip road construction
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Spots requiring road widening or junction redesign
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Encroachments or structural obstructions
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Estimated land acquisition needs
The first phase will cover traffic-prone areas in Central and South Chennai, with a long-term goal of city-wide implementation.
Focus on Sustainable Urban Traffic Design
The proposed development includes creating dedicated turning lanes, removal of bottlenecks, and infrastructure upgrades near commercial and educational hubs. These enhancements are expected to:
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Reduce peak-hour congestion
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Improve road safety
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Shorten commute times
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Enhance pedestrian movement
GCC engineers are also expected to consult urban mobility experts to ensure that the road design aligns with sustainable urban transport standards.
Political and Public Response
Speaking to the media, Dayanidhi Maran expressed appreciation for the swift response, saying:
“This is a much-needed step for Central Chennai. I thank Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin for prioritizing commuters’ concerns. We must modernize our road infrastructure in line with the city’s growth.”
Residents and commuter groups have welcomed the decision, noting that the creation of slip roads—side lanes that allow vehicles to exit or merge without disrupting main road flow—could drastically improve traffic efficiency.
Next Steps and Timeline
According to officials, land surveys will begin by mid-August 2025, followed by the finalization of the land plan schedule. Budget allocation and tenders for construction will be floated once the technical and administrative feasibility reports are approved.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2026, with several segments likely to be completed before the end of the financial year.
Conclusion
The Chennai traffic decongestion project, initiated by GCC under guidance from Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, is a landmark move toward building a smarter, safer, and faster urban transport network. With land planning underway, the project offers hope for lakhs of daily commuters across the metropolitan region.
