Chennai: Busy Usman Road flyover in T Nagar becomes parking lot for Deepavali shoppers

CHENNAI: For the benefit of shoppers who throng T Nagar for Deepavali shopping, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has allowed two-wheelers and four-wheelers to park on Usman Road flyover till October 31. It’s noted that at least 1,600 vehicles can be parked in an 800-metre stretch of the flyover.

Due to the ongoing flyover construction between South Usman Road and CIT Nagar first main road, the Usman Road flyover has been closed for traffic.

“The traffic police requested permission to permit parking on the bridge to manage congestion ahead of Deepavali. Since the bridge was closed for a long time, we allowed parking of bikes and cars till Thursday. Almost 800 metres of the stretch (80% of the bridge) will be used for parking and managed by the police,” said a senior official with GCC Kodambakkam (Zone 10).

This is the first time the Corporation has allowed parking on this flyover. “As many as 1,500 two-wheelers and 100 cars can be parked. Security arrangements have been made to avoid traffic congestion on the flyover. As more crowds are expected during the weekend, this move will be helpful to regulate traffic. There is no charge for parking,” said a traffic police officer.

Meanwhile, the flyover between South Usman Road and CIT Nagar’s first main road, which was expected to be open by December 2024 has been delayed. It will be completed by February 2025 due to the delay in arrival of materials, and intermittent rainfall across TN. “Once the flyover is open to the public, the junction of CIT Nagar, Burkit Road and Madley Road Junction will be free from traffic,” added the GCC official.