Korukkupet Residents Breathe Easy as Flyover is Thrown Open
The project directly benefits nearly one lakh residents of Kodungaiyur, Korukkupet, Tondiarpet, Ezhil Nagar, Kannadasan Nagar and Nehru Nagar, many of whom have endured prolonged delays, fuel loss and safety risks at the busy level crossing.
Chennai: After decades of congestion and long waits at railway gates, residents of North Chennai witnessed a major infrastructural milestone on Thursday as Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the railway level-crossing 2B flyover on the Korukkupet–Manali Road.
A demand of the local communities for over 40 years, this flyover constructed at a cost of Rs 96.04 crore is expected to bring substantial relief to one of the most traffic-choked corridors in the city, where nearly 42,000 vehicles were forced to halt daily due to frequent train movements across the Korukkupet–Manali Road and Ennore High Road railway lines.
The flyover, built under the Infrastructure and Amenities Fund, is 840 metres long, including a 72-metre railway span, with a carriageway width of 8.40 metres. Service roads, measuring five metres on either side, have also been provided to ensure smoother local traffic movement.
The project directly benefits nearly one lakh residents of Kodungaiyur, Korukkupet, Tondiarpet, Ezhil Nagar, Kannadasan Nagar and Nehru Nagar, many of whom have endured prolonged delays, fuel loss and safety risks at the busy level crossing.
After inaugurating the flyover, the Chief Minister travelled across the bridge in his official vehicle, symbolically marking the opening of a route that residents say will “change everyday life” in the area.
Addressing the gathering, Stalin said the Korukkupet flyover stood as an example of the government’s commitment to resolving long-pending civic issues. “This is not just a flyover made of concrete and steel. It is a solution to a problem that the people of North Chennai have lived with for decades. Our objective is development that reaches the people, saves their time, fuel and effort, and improves their quality of life,” the Chief Minister said.
He noted that the project was first announced in the 2022–23. The work was completed despite logistical challenges associated with railway crossings and dense urban surroundings.
Officials pointed out that the Korukkupet–Manali Road stretch is a crucial link for industrial traffic, port-bound heavy vehicles, and petroleum installations, and the flyover will significantly improve freight movement while reducing congestion on arterial roads.
“The flyover ensures uninterrupted vehicular movement over one of the busiest railway corridors in North Chennai. It will particularly benefit industrial transport and emergency services,” said a GCC official.
During the same event, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for another flyover at railway level-crossing 2A on Ennore High Road, to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 75 crore. The proposed structure will be 448 metres long, including a 39.40-metre railway portion, with a width of 11 metres, and will feature 5-metre-wide service roads with integrated footpaths. The flyover will connect the Power House junction to the IOCL junction, further strengthening North Chennai’s road network.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for a new public park near the Manali Road flyover, at an estimated cost of Rs 1.10 crore. Spread across 19,128 square feet, the park will include landscaped green areas, a walking track, seating facilities and modern lighting, aimed at improving the neighbourhood’s livability.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Municipal Administration Minister. K.N. Nehru, for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekar Babu, Mayor R. Priya and other officials.
