The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has prepared detailed project reports (DPRs) for upgrading 160 km of damaged bus route and interior roads across Chennai at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.5 bn. The proposals have been sent to the Tamil Nadu Government for administrative approval under the Chief Minister’s Infrastructure Development and Urban Mission (CMIUDM).

The first phase covers 45.13 km of 66 bus route roads and 114.87 km of 714 interior roads across all 15 zones. The projects form part of the State Government’s 2026-27 plan to upgrade 360 km of bus route and interior roads in Chennai, with the broader programme estimated to cost Rs. 3 bn.

The civic body said the works were being taken up in line with an announcement made under Rule 110 of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The project estimates are being examined by the Tamil Nadu Urban Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation (TUFIDCO), after which the proposals will move through the required approval process.

The DPRs are scheduled to be presented to the State-level approval committee for CMIUDM on September 29, 2026. Tenders will be invited after the necessary approvals are secured, allowing the corporation to begin implementation of the first phase across the city’s administrative zones.

The road improvement works are planned for completion before the onset of the Northeast monsoon. The GCC currently maintains 488 bus route roads extending 418.56 km and 35,978 interior roads covering 5,653.89 km. Its Bus Route Roads Department is also carrying out road construction and improvement works, including footpath and junction upgrades, as part of the wider programme.