Chennai to Get Three Model Urban Mobility Corridors Under CUMTA Phase II

The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has begun the process of developing three key roads into Model Urban Mobility Corridors as part of the second phase of its urban transport initiative.

The roads identified for the project are GST Road, Taramani Link Road, and a section of the Velachery-Tambaram Road. CUMTA issued a tender on October 7, 2026, inviting national and international consultancy firms to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed upgrades.

Interested firms can submit their applications online until 3 PM on October 30, 2026.

What is a Model Urban Mobility Corridor?

The Model Urban Mobility Corridor initiative aims to modernise Chennai`s major roads and bring them closer to international urban transport standards. The focus will be on improving mobility, pedestrian safety, public transport integration and overall road infrastructure.

The proposed improvements include:

Wider pedestrian walkways: Safer and more accessible footpaths for pedestrians.

Dedicated cycle tracks: Separate lanes to encourage cycling and support sustainable mobility.

Better bus and metro integration: Redesigned bus stops and access points to make transfers between public transport services easier.

Smart parking facilities: More organised and efficient parking arrangements along the corridors.

AI-based traffic signals: Intelligent traffic management systems to improve traffic movement.

Improved stormwater drainage: Upgraded drainage systems to reduce waterlogging during heavy rains.

Underground utility networks: Provision for routing electrical and telecommunication cables underground.

Three Roads Identified for Phase II

Taramani Link Road

Taramani Link Road is an important connection serving Chennai`s IT corridor, with several technology parks, educational institutions and residential areas located along and around the route.

Velachery-Tambaram Road

The Marmalong Bridge to Walajah Road section of the Velachery-Tambaram Road has been identified for improvement. The corridor is an important transport route connecting several parts of South Chennai.

GST Road

The Grand Southern Trunk Road (GST Road) is one of Chennai`s major arterial routes. It connects the city with the airport and several southern suburbs and districts, making it an important corridor for both daily commuters and long-distance traffic.

DPR to Assess Traffic and Infraststructure Requirements

The consultant selected through the tender will conduct detailed field surveys and prepare the DPR for the three corridors.

The study will examine traffic volumes, peak-hour congestion, existing road conditions, encroachments, road-widening requirements, stormwater drainage and underground utility infrastructure.

The DPR will also outline the infrastructure and traffic-management measures required to develop the selected roads as integrated urban mobility corridors.

CUMTA Tender Details

Tender No.: CUMTA/12408/UMC/2026-27-Phase-II

Tender Date: October 7, 2026

Application Registration: October 7, 2026, from 12 PM

Last Date for Submission: October 30, 2026, up to 3 PM

Tender Opening: October 30, 2026, at 4 PM

The tender process is being coordinated by the Office of the Member-Secretary, CUMTA, Nandanam.

Tender documents, eligibility requirements and other details are available through the Tamil Nadu Government Tenders portal and the CUMTA official website.

Focus on Safer and More Integrated Mobility

The proposed transformation of GST Road, Taramani Link Road and Velachery-Tambaram Road is part of CUMTA`s broader efforts to improve Chennai`s urban transport network.

By combining better pedestrian facilities, dedicated cycling infrastructure, improved public transport connectivity, smarter traffic management and upgraded utilities, the Model Urban Mobility Corridor project aims to create more efficient and safer travel routes across the city.