Chennai, March 12 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu State Highways Department has initiated an extensive widening project for the Padi Rail Overbridge (ROB) located on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai (Inner Ring Road), targeting one of the most critical traffic congestion points on this vital route.

The project, valued at ₹139 crore, aims to transform the current three-lane bridge into a dual five-lane structure while also expanding the narrow approach roads leading to Padi, which have been a persistent cause of severe traffic jams for drivers navigating between north and south Chennai.

As part of this endeavor, the Tamil Nadu Highways Department will perform widening operations and structural enhancements within its land boundaries, which include laying new road sections and installing necessary girders.

The section of the bridge that spans the railway tracks will be managed by Southern Railway, which will procure the required girders from its facility in Arakkonam.

Additionally, the project entails relocating several electrical lines to facilitate the construction work.

Once completed, the bridge's corridor width will significantly increase from the existing 27 metres to approximately 53 metres.

The redesigned structure will incorporate five lanes in each direction, along with pedestrian pathways on both sides. Officials anticipate that this expansion will enhance traffic flow and improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

The approach roads and adjoining segments are also being widened to five lanes with a central median, a strategy intended to improve traffic movement and minimize accidents along the route.

Expected completion of the project is set for April.

The Padi ROB, positioned between Villivakkam and Korattur railway stations, currently serves as a major bottleneck on the Inner Ring Road.

While the majority of the corridor from Manali to Guindy has five lanes on either side, the 1.1-km section near Padi abruptly narrows to just two lanes near the railway station, often leading to traffic delays.

In parallel with the bridge expansion, the highways department is also constructing two U-shaped service roads beneath the Villivakkam ROB, with an estimated expenditure of ₹14 crore.

These 7.5-metre-wide roads will allow motorists to make U-turns towards North Korattur and Padi without entering the congested intersection.

Upon completion, these service roads are anticipated to alleviate congestion near the North Korattur signal and enable light vehicles to bypass the junction, thereby enhancing overall traffic circulation in the region.

Meanwhile, other segments of the Inner Ring Road are undergoing expansion as part of distinct projects being executed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).