Local MLA holds out hope on link road completion

| S VENKATESHWARAN |

Residents and civic activists from Nanganallur,
Meenambakkam and Kilkattalai have once again appealed to
Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the government to
speed up the long-pending road project connecting the
Pazhavanthangal subway with 5th Main Road.
According to the residents, the proposed straight road will help
reduce heavy traffic congestion in the area and improve east-
west connectivity for thousands of daily commuters travelling
between Nanganallur, Pazhavanthangal and GST Road.
The state government issued a Government Order on October
14, 2025, sanctioning Rs. 29.57 crore for the acquisition and
transfer of 1,069.25 square metres of land required for the
project. However, local residents say the land acquisition
process has not yet been completed, delaying the start of the
road work.
The Pazhavanthangal subway, which was opened in 1997 in
place of the old railway level-crossing No. 1978, has been
serving as an important link between Nanganallur,
Pazhavanthangal and GST Road for nearly three decades.
The proposed link road falls under ward 164 of zone 12 of
GCC.
The residents point out that despite the one-way traffic
restrictions on Krishnasamy Street and Balusamy Street, many

two-wheelers, autorickshaws and even cars continue to enter
the subway exit from the wrong direction. This often creates
bottlenecks at the College Road–Fifth Main Road junction and
poses safety risks to road-users.
Social activist, Mr. V. Rama Rao, from the Federation of
Nanganallur Welfare Associations, said the sharp left turn
immediately after the subway exit has been a design concern
for many years. He noted that negotiating the curve is
particularly difficult for Metropolitan Transport Corporation
(MTC) buses and larger vehicles.
He also said the forum has repeatedly taken up the issue with
elected representatives and added that only a small number of
properties remain to be acquired. He urged the Revenue
Department to complete the acquisition process quickly so that
the long-awaited project can begin.
The residents also expressed concern over the one-way traffic
restriction at the Venkataraman Road junction, saying it has
diverted more vehicles through Balaji Nagar, especially along
Agaral Street and Fourth Main Road, increasing congestion on
roads lined with temples, markets and commercial
establishments.
Local residents said the continuous traffic movement and heavy
flow of vehicles have become a major inconvenience,
particularly for senior citizens, school students and pedestrians
using these roads every day.
Alandur MLA M. Harish said discussions have been held with
the officials regarding the pending land acquisition. He stated
that issues involving a few property owners are being resolved
and expressed confidence that the project will be completed by
October, bringing long-awaited relief to motorists and residents
in the surrounding neighbourhoods.