20 years later, Perungalathur flyover works still in limbo

CHENNAI: Perungalathur, the arterial thoroughfare that connects Chennai with Southern districts is a nightmare for motorists and long-distance commuters. Daily, thousands of vehicles are forced to compete with the pace of pedestrians.

The flyover construction work, which began a few years ago, is progressing at a snail’s pace. In 2001, the highways department allocated Rs 86 crore for the project, and now after two decades, the estimate of the project increased to over 200 crore. Not only is the flyover incomplete, but the work has also stopped completely for the past few weeks due to land acquisition issues.

Sources say after funds were allocated, there was confusion about the location of the flyover. Later, officials decided to close the level-crossing LC32 and construct it there.

The work began after 17 years in 2018, and by then the project estimate shot up to Rs 206 crores It was promised that the work would be finished in two years.

In 2020, due to the pandemic, construction halted completely for a few months. Later, when the work resumed, the estimated cost increased to Rs 234 crore, and estimated time of completion was 2021.

Cut to 2022, flyover is half completed and officials have extended the deadline of the project to next year, saying that only one side would be inaugurated in a few months.

While government departments pass the buck and push deadlines for years, it’s commuters who end up suffering the most. It’s a nightmare for those who commute to Perungalathur, Peerkankarnai, RMK Nagar and Vandalur via GST Road, since this is the sole entry point to Perungalathur, as the railway gate in the area is closed most of the time. Residents claim that it’s common even for ambulances to be stuck in the railway gate for over 20 minutes.

The Perungalathur flyover is the most important and immediate need for residents of Perungalathur and neighbourhood areas. If the flyover is opened for public use, traffic congestion would ease up on GST Road and of course, Perungalathur and its surrounding areas. Commuters urge the government to complete the work on priority basis.

Sources say that the flyover work was halted a few weeks back due to internal issues. Even landowners claim that payments are pending and the TDS for last year has still not been filed by the government.

When contacted, an official from the State Highways department use the pandemic as the perfect excuse for the delay in completion of the project. “Most had to return to their native. Now, the work is going on at a brisk pace, and will be completed soon,” the official adds.