Chennai Lighthouse - Thiru.Vi.Ka. Bridge Elevated Corridor: DPR Work Moves Forward

The Tamil Nadu government is taking steps to advance the proposed elevated corridor connecting Chennai Lighthouse with Thiru.Vi.Ka. Bridge near Adyar. The project is intended to ease traffic congestion along the Marina Beach and Santhome stretches and improve connectivity towards Adyar.

According to a report published by The New Indian Express on October 14, 2026, the Tamil Nadu State Highways Department has issued a Government Order allocating ₹98 lakh for the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for five infrastructure projects in Chennai. The Lighthouse - Adyar elevated corridor is among the projects included in this initiative.

Two Routes Under Consideration

The proposed corridor is expected to connect the Lighthouse area with the Adyar landing near Malar Hospital. Two possible alignments have been considered: one along Kamarajar Salai and Santhome High Road, and another through Pattinapakkam Loop Road.

The final route has not yet been confirmed. The DPR will examine the alignment, engineering requirements, length, width and other design details before the government makes further decisions.

Why Is the Elevated Corridor Needed?

Santhome High Road and the surrounding coastal stretches experience considerable traffic, particularly during peak hours. The presence of schools, religious institutions, residential areas and busy pedestrian zones makes conventional road widening difficult.

An elevated corridor could provide an alternative route for through traffic, potentially reducing pressure on the roads below. The project is also expected to improve connectivity between the Lighthouse, Pattinapakkam, Santhome and Adyar areas.

The detailed study is expected to examine suitable entry and exit ramps at locations where traffic congestion is high. These access points would be important in ensuring that vehicles can enter and leave the elevated road without creating additional bottlenecks.

Part of Chennai`s Wider Infrastructure Development

The elevated corridor is one of five Chennai infrastructure projects for which DPR preparation funding has been allocated. The other proposals include extending the Vyasarpadi road overbridge towards Madhavaram, widening the Basin Bridge road overbridge, widening the Cooum river bridge at Koyambedu and developing a link road between Rajiv Gandhi Salai and East Coast Road.

These initiatives are aimed at improving road connectivity and addressing congestion at important junctions across the city.

What Happens Next?

The preparation of the DPR is an important step towards determining the project`s technical feasibility and implementation requirements. The final alignment, construction cost, funding arrangements, construction schedule and completion date have not yet been officially confirmed in the reports reviewed.

Once the detailed study is completed, the government will be able to assess the proposed design and decide on the next stages of implementation.

For Chennai residents and daily commuters, the proposed Lighthouse–Thiru.Vi.Ka. Bridge elevated corridor could become an important infrastructure project if it receives the necessary approvals and proceeds to construction.