In a major push to improve Chennai’s transport infrastructure, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Thursday inaugurated Phase III of the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR) project at Tiruvallur. Highways Minister E.V. Velu and senior officials were also present for the groundbreaking.The CPRR is a six-lane, access-controlled highway designed to streamline freight movement between southern Tamil Nadu and key ports like Ennore and Kattupalli, while diverting traffic away from the city. The 132.87-km corridor is estimated to cost Rs 162.12 billion and is being funded by the World Bank and other international agencies.Phase III Details:Phase III spans 30.1 km from Tiruvallur Bypass to Sriperumbudur and includes two-lane service roads on both sides. The Rs 26.89 billion phase is split into three sections:1. Tiruvallur Bypass to Venkathur (10.4 km) – Rs 11.33 billion2. Venkathur to Chengadu (10 km) – Rs 5.93 billion3. Chengadu to Sriperumbudur (9.7 km) – Rs 9.63 billionThe segment includes two major flyovers, a road overbridge, and two key bridges.Progress of Other Phases:1. Phase I (Ennore Port–Thatchur, 25.4 km): 35% complete; cost Rs 42.9 billion.2. Phase II (Thatchur–Tiruvallur Bypass): 68% complete; cost Rs 22.59 billion.3. Phase IV (Sriperumbudur–SP Koil, 23.5 km): Completed; DPR underway to upgrade it to access-controlled standards.4. Phase V (SP Koil–Poonjeri): Land acquisition ongoing; encroachments being addressed.Once finished, the CPRR will enable faster, safer movement of goods between industrial hubs and northern ports, easing congestion on city roads. Only tolled vehicles will use the main six-lane road, while local traffic can access free service lanes on either side. Additional bridges and underpasses are being planned based on field surveys to support local connectivity.With Phase III now underway, the state government reaffirms its focus on improving logistics, regional development, and economic growth through strategic infrastructure expansion.