In Chennai, Velmurugan has raised alarms about severe traffic congestion affecting residents, particularly as flyover construction progresses. He emphasizes the urgent need to expedite these projects to alleviate the mounting issues faced by commuters.
Currently, flyover construction is ongoing at five locations along a 151-kilometer stretch from Padalam to Sengurichi. This work has already led to significant delays and disruptions in traffic flow.
Traffic congestion is not just a concern on weekends; even on ordinary days, the ongoing construction creates bottlenecks. Velmurugan noted that during holidays, especially around elections, congestion can increase fivefold, exacerbating the situation.
The National Highways Authority of India has allocated funds for a new flyover near the Government Villupuram Medical College. However, progress remains slow due to land acquisition issues; Velmurugan pointed out that the district administration has not yet secured the necessary land for this project.
The Tamil Nadu government oversees a total of 4,974 kilometers of national highways, with 2,724 kilometers under the control of the National Highways Authority of India. This extensive network is crucial for facilitating smooth transportation across the state.
Key facts about current traffic conditions:
- The flyover construction spans five locations along 151 kilometers.
- Traffic congestion increases significantly during holidays and elections.
- The district administration’s delay in land acquisition is hindering project timelines.
Velmurugan stated, “We need to expedite the completion of flyover works to avoid traffic congestion.” He criticized the current pace of construction, describing it as proceeding at a snail’s pace.
The situation remains critical as residents continue to face daily challenges on their commutes. With no clear timeline provided for project completion, many are left wondering when relief will arrive.
