Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has awarded a Rs 1.138 bn contract to build grade separators at two key junctions on the Old Mahabalipuram Road. The contract was awarded to construction firm M Rajkumar and covers design and construction of grade separators at the Perungudi and SRP Tools junctions as well as service roads, drainage systems, electrical works and related infrastructure. The project has a scheduled completion period of 18 months and aims to align with ongoing metro development.

The State Highways department has entrusted the work to CMRL on a deposit basis to ensure coordinated delivery with the elevated metro construction along the OMR stretch. At Perungudi the proposed grade separator will provide a dedicated ramp from MGR Main Road to facilitate right turn movements towards Sholinganallur and is intended to reduce conflict at the junction. At SRP Tools the structure will allow free right turning traffic from OMR to the Velachery-Taramani Link Road, improving connectivity for commuters.

The two junctions are among the most congested points on the IT corridor and carry heavy commuter traffic between Velachery, Taramani, Perungudi and the southern suburbs. The scheme is expected to relieve pressure on surface roads by segregating turning traffic and by creating continuous flows on primary carriageways. CMRL will undertake related electrical and drainage works and construct service roads to integrate the separators with the existing road network.

The agreement was signed in the presence of senior CMRL officials, including managing director MA Siddique and director Finance S Krishnamoorthy, and the contractor will begin preparatory surveys and site works. Authorities expect the works to improve traffic flow and enhance access to the IT corridor while coordinating with metro construction to minimise disruption. Monitoring and periodic reviews were indicated as part of the implementation plan to ensure timely delivery.