Chennai is set to gain a major infrastructure boost as the long-pending 21-km Port–Maduravoyal elevated corridor moves steadily toward completion, with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) confirming a November 2027 deadline.
In a commuter-friendly move, officials have announced that the lower deck of the double-decker corridor will remain toll-free for local traffic. Toll charges will apply only to freight vehicles using the upper deck, which is being designed as a dedicated corridor for container trucks traveling to and from Chennai Port.
Dedicated Freight Corridor to Ease City Congestion
According to NHAI’s Chennai regional office, the upper tier will function as a six-lane freight highway, directly connecting to Gate 10 of the port. This design aims to segregate heavy vehicles from city traffic, significantly reducing congestion on arterial roads.
Of the total 21-km stretch, about 15.5 km will run along the Cooum River. The section from Maduravoyal to Koyambedu (7 km) will have a single deck, while the remaining 14 km up to the port will feature a double-decker structure.
Vehicles entering at Maduravoyal for local travel will exit near Napier Bridge, while freight traffic will continue uninterrupted to the port via the upper deck.
Construction Progress and Engineering Details
The project relies heavily on precast technology, with around 9,500 concrete segments planned. So far, about 800 segments have already been produced at a casting yard in Chembarambakkam. These will be assembled using launching girders once pier foundations are completed.
To accelerate progress, construction is currently underway for 11 hours daily—split between daytime and nighttime operations—with support from traffic police. NHAI has also requested permission to extend work hours up to 16 hours per day.
Design and Connectivity
The four-lane lower deck will be 26 metres wide, while the upper deck will span 23 metres. The corridor will pass above 16 existing flyovers and two road overbridges, showcasing its engineering complexity.
Multiple entry and exit ramps are planned at key locations including:
Sivananda Salai
College Road
Spur Tank Road
Koyambedu
Project Background and Cost
Estimated at ₹3,570 crore, the corridor was originally launched in 2010 but stalled in 2016. It was revived in 2023 following renewed efforts by the state government and the Chennai Port Authority.
Officials also confirmed that the structural integrity of 114 pillars constructed during the earlier phase has been assessed as part of the revived project.
