T.N.’s first BRTS integrated elevated corridor proposed on GST Road, from Kilambakkam to Mahindra World City

The proposed 18.4 km-long elevated corridor from Urappakkam (Kilambakkam Terminus) to Chettipunyam (Mahindra City) on the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road will have a provision for a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS). The width of the corridor, to be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹3300 crore, will now be 29 metres, and the facility will have additional lanes on either side.

Sources in the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) said that the previous width was 25 mts, which has been increased after a review by the Central government. “The earlier alignment had six lanes. The additional lanes would be used in case of emergencies so that vehicles can be moved to the extreme. This would ensure smooth movement of traffic. These lanes would also be the BRTS corridor. Elevators would come up every 2 km so that bus commuters can come up to take the buses from bus shelters,” explained an official. This would be the State’s first BRTS integrated elevated corridor.  

The elevated corridor, to be taken up by the NHAI in the present financial year, would also be integrated with the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road near Singaperumal Koil. Entry/exit ramps would also be provided near Iyyancherry junction and Kattankulathur. Running along the median of the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway, it will reduce accidents at 14 blackspots and segregate local traffic from the fast-moving highway motorists. and bring an end to congestions during festival times.

The corridor would be a steel structure on the lines of the 7.3 km-long Chettikulam corridor in Madurai.  Before the construction begins, five HT power lines would be shifted as otherwise they would be in the way.

Meanwhile, the sources also said that CMRL had opted out of an integrated corridor proposal. “They have decided to go separately. This, they said because it would not be economically viable,“ an official said.