The Tamil Nadu Road Development Company (TNRDC) has identified three possible alignments for a new 32-kilometre link road connecting Mahabalipuram on East Coast Road (ECR) with Madhuranthagam on GST Road. The proposed corridor is expected to be a four or six-lane access-controlled highway with service roads.

The State Highways Department has proposed the link between GST Road at Madhuranthagam (Karunguzhi) and Poonjeri near Mahabalipuram to divert vehicles travelling from Tindivanam towards Chennai before they reach Chengalpattu. The aim is to ease heavy congestion on the GST stretch between Madhuranthagam and Tambaram by diverting significant traffic towards ECR and OMR. During festivals, weekends and long holidays, the Tambaram–Tindivanam corridor routinely faces bumper-to-bumper traffic.

TNRDC appointed a consultant several months ago to conduct a feasibility study, and three alignments have now been shortlisted. The first involves widening the existing 10-metre road from Mahabalipuram to Kakkilapettai near Madhuranthagam, running through the densely populated Thirukazhukundram region. The second is a full greenfield alignment north of Poonjeri, covering the entire 32-kilometre stretch. The third is another greenfield option south of Poonjeri. Officials said the road may start either at Karunguzhi or 500 metres before it, terminating at Poonjeri.

Another variation under review involves extending the alignment from Karunguzhi directly to the forthcoming Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (Ennore Port–Mahabalipuram) at Poonjeri. A further option is the widening of the existing 10-metre route along its current alignment.

The final route will be chosen based on social impact, land acquisition needs, environmental considerations and overall project cost. Officials noted that while greenfield alignments are more expensive, they cause minimal social disruption. By contrast, widening the current road is cheaper but would require demolition of numerous houses and buildings.

Once the feasibility study is finalised, it will be submitted to the government for a decision. The road will be developed as a four or six-lane corridor, and given local opposition to widening the current route, a greenfield option is considered more likely. Land acquisition will begin after administrative approval.

Quick Look

Around 1 million passenger car units travel on the Tambaram–Tindivanam GST corridor daily.

Proposal seeks to divert Tindivanam-bound traffic towards OMR/ECR at Karunguzhi near Madhuranthagam.

Existing 10-metre road runs from Mahabalipuram to Kakkilapettai near Madhuranthagam.

This stretch passes through densely populated residential areas for 10–15 km.

TNRDC has identified three alignments for the proposed four/six-lane link road.

A greenfield alignment is likely to be chosen to avoid large-scale demolition.

Land acquisition will begin following administrative clearance.