Porur flyover to open in January

The 475-metre-long and 17.2-metre-wide flyover was proposed in 2010 to be built at the Porur intersection, known for heavy traffic jam. After facing difficulties in floating tender and acquisition of required land, officials finally began in 2015. However, the construction was intermittently stalled at the pillar stage, putting motorists and residents in the vicinity to a great deal of hardship. “We faced difficulty in shifting metro water connection going through the intersection, and none came forward to undertake the tender,” a senior engineer said, wishing anonymity. He also assured that the flyover would be open in January, 2017, after which traffic congestion would steadily decline at the intersection. 

Meanwhile, residents and motorists have expressed satisfaction over the pace of ongoing works. “I start thinking about the traffic congestion at this intersection when I reach Valasaravakkam. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to cross the Mount-Poonamallee road. However, I’m happy the construction is almost over,” says R Frantin, a motorist from Kundrathur. A Saravanan, a resident of Porur, said the intersection remained a scene of chaos for years together. “Hundreds of Vehicles coming from Vadapalani, Guindy would pile up at the Porur junction, causing severe inconvenience to the pedestrian and residents. We just want the flyover to be opened as soon as possible,” he said. 

The Metro Wing officials had earlier stated the flyover would be open in August last year. The engineer-in-charge said that since the construction was carried out in fullswing only during the night hours, the flyover could not be opened as promised.