The construction of a new road overbridge (ROB) across the rail track near the defunct Anglo French Textiles mill on Cuddalore Road in the city has gathered pace. It is expected to be completed early next year. The project was sanctioned in 2024, but the construction began only last year.
The four-lane ROB, being built at an estimated cost of ₹72 crore, had to be put on hold owing to the shifting of the temporary bus stand on the AFT Mill Ground on Cuddalore Road.
The bridge, being constructed jointly by Southern Railway and Puducherry Smart City Development Limited (PSCDL), will ease traffic congestion along the Puducherry-Cuddalore Road near the AFT mills and the District Court Complex.
Of the total cost, around ₹52 crore was drawn from the Smart Cities funds and ₹20 crore was borne by Southern Railway.
The level crossing is situated on Cuddalore Road, which branches off Maraimalai Adigal Salai and connects Mudaliarpet and Uppalam. The frequent closure of the railway gate in the busy section had caused much inconvenience to motorists.
Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan had recently inspected the progress of the project in front of the court complex following reports of traffic disruptions. Officials involved in the project informed him that the work was progressing fast and it could be completed as planned by March next year.
According to a senior railway official, “The four-lane bridge has achieved around 60% progress. As many as 29 of the total of 50 piers have been completed so far. The bridge is being built to a length of 630 metres. It begins near Providence Mall and ends near Mill Road adjoining the AFT main building on Cuddalore Road. It will also include a limited-use subway similar to the one on 100-Feet Road. Another subway has also been planned. The project will be completed by March-end.”
As many as 29 of the total of 50 piers have been completed so far. The bridge is being built to a length of 630 metres. | Photo Credit: S.S. KUMAR
The ROB will also have two service lanes — six metres each on the mall side and the court complex side, enhancing the safety of and accessibility for motorists visiting the court and the mall. On the southern side of the railway gate, the service roads will be four metres wide because of land restrictions.
D. Jayaseelan, a resident of Kombakkam, said the bridge on Cuddalore Road would help to ease traffic congestion in Mudaliarpet, Point Care Street, and Uppalam and other areas, and the project should be completed at the earliest.
Published - July 12, 2026 06:45 pm IST