Authorities have instructed the local civic body to temporarily halt construction of the proposed Velachery flyover, as the structure overlaps with the alignment of a planned metro corridor connecting Tambaram, Velachery and Guindy.
The halted project includes a 3 km, three-lane flyover beginning 300 metres after the junction of Sardar Patel Road and Velachery Main Road, extending up to the Velachery Bypass. It was intended to ease severe peak-hour congestion at key points such as Race Course Road, Five Furlong Road and the Velachery Bypass junction. Traffic studies indicate that the Five Furlong Road junction handles 7,459 PCUs during peak hours, while the junction near a major educational institution sees 7,742 PCUs.
According to a senior official from the civic body, discussions between the two government agencies are ongoing. “Several rounds of talks have been held. They asked us to pause construction for two months, but we have requested clarity within a month. For now, the contractor remains on standby,” the official said.
The metro authority is currently preparing the Detailed Feasibility Report for the new corridor. Officials fear that if the flyover proceeds now, the contractor may eventually withdraw, especially if delays escalate.
Approximately 650 metres of the planned flyover overlap with the proposed metro alignment along the 200-Feet Radial Road, stretching from the junction near a major college up to the Five Furlong Road junction.
“More than 20 flyover pillars fall directly within the metro route. A metro station is also planned near a major commercial hub. If the flyover is built first, it may have to be demolished later,” the civic official said, adding that they are open to allowing the metro authority to build the overlapping portion of the flyover and reimburse the cost.
A senior metro official confirmed the request to pause the work. “If construction continues, the flyover will likely interfere with the metro alignment. The chances of demolition later are high. Since planning is still being finalised, we have requested a temporary hold.”
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