The construction of a 10.4-km-long elevated corridor from Madhavaram to the Nallur toll plaza is showing signs of resurgence. According to sources from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the project could be revived if the State government agrees to waive its share of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) related to the initiative.

As highlighted by sources, approximately 60% of the project cost would be allocated towards materials, which incur GST. The 9% tax on this amount is relatively minimal. Since the State government is in favor of the project, this waiver would be considered their contribution. Additionally, any land acquisition necessary for the project is expected to be minimal.

In a meeting earlier this year between the Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, the NHAI expressed its willingness to proceed with the elevated corridor project, contingent upon the State’s GST waiver. Final touches on the implementation modalities and updates to the detailed project report (DPR) are currently underway, as confirmed by an official source.

Local Perspectives on the Project

S. Suresh Babu, president of the Billakuppam Village Residents Welfare Association, has reached out to various authorities, including the President of India, advocating for the corridor’s construction. “We remain hopeful that this project will commence soon and finish within the expected timeline. The route features numerous traffic junctions that significantly hinder vehicular flow, as local vehicles compete for space with numerous heavy vehicles on the National Highway,” he remarked.

A retired highways department official, however, proposed an alternative to the elevated corridor. He suggested constructing three flyovers at critical junctions: Puzhal covering Retteri Road, at Kavankarai, and at Sothupakkam junction, adjacent to Revathy Stores junction. He argued that an elevated corridor would lead to the establishment of toll plazas, driving up costs well beyond that of constructing the flyovers.

Notably, the official pointed out that nearly 60% of the vehicles utilizing the roadway are two-wheelers, implying that an elevated corridor might not effectively alleviate congestion. Conversely, the proposed flyovers would strategically address traffic bottlenecks at five junctions, thereby significantly improving overall traffic management.