Residents and activists of Nanganallur, Meenambakkam, and Kilkattalai have urged the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the State government to expedite the implementation of the proposed straight road, linking the Pazhavanthangal subway with Fifth Main Road.
They say that the long-pending project would ease traffic congestion and improve east-west connectivity.
The State government (Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department) issued a Government Order on October 14, 2025, sanctioning ₹29.57 crore for the acquisition and transfer of 1,069.25 sq. m. of land required for the project. However, residents allege that the Revenue Department is yet to complete the land acquisition process, delaying execution of the link road.
Opened in 1997 in place of Railway Level Crossing 1978, the Pazhavanthangal subway has long served as a vital link between Nanganallur, Pazhavanthangal and the GST Road. The proposed road falls under Ward 164 of Zone 12 of the GCC.
Fifth Main Road in Nanganallur, where the proposed straight link road from the Pazhavanthangal subway is expected to join after completion of land acquisition. | Photo Credit: T. Arvind
Despite the one-way restriction on Krishnasamy Street and Balusamy Street, many two-wheelers, autorickshaws, and even cars enter the stretch from the Pazhavanthangal subway, resulting in frequent bottlenecks at the College Road-Fifth Main Road junction. V. Rama Rao, founder of the United Forum of Nanganallur Welfare Associations, said the sharp curve immediately after the subway exit has been a design flaw.
“Negotiating the sharp left turn is difficult, particularly for the Metropolitan Transport Corporation buses,” he said.
Mr. Rama Rao said the Forum had repeatedly taken up the issue with elected representatives. “Only a handful of properties remain to be acquired.
The Revenue Department should expedite the acquisition process so that the project can be completed at the earliest,” he added.
Residents said the one-way restriction at the Vembuliamman Koil Street junction had increased traffic through Elango Adigal Street and Fourth Main Road, a busy stretch lined with temples, markets, and commercial establishments.
“The constant honking and heavy flow of vehicles have become a major inconvenience, especially for senior citizens and students,” said Badri Narayanan, a resident.
Venkatesan, a resident of Viswanathapuram, said he was recently caught in a traffic snarl at the College Road junction during morning peak hours because of vehicles violating the one-way restriction.
A street vendor, who is likely to be displaced by the project, said he was willing to relocate in the larger public interest. “Property owners should cooperate and accept the compensation so that the project can begin,” he said.
Alandur MLA M. Harish said discussions had been held with officials recently. “There are issues involving a few property owners. They are being resolved and we expect the project to be completed by October,” he said.
Published - July 14, 2026 05:00 am IST