Padappai Flyover Inaugurated After Years of Delay, Bringing Relief to Commuters
After years of delay due to bureaucratic hurdles and the COVID-19 pandemic, the much-anticipated Padappai flyover in the Oragadam-Sipcot industrial area was finally inaugurated on Friday.
The 700-metre-long flyover, located at the busy Padappai junction on the Vandalur–Walajabad Road, was first proposed in 2019 to ease the daily congestion on the 34-km stretch known for its industrial hubs, factories, and educational institutions. Over 70,000 vehicles travel this road every day, including container trucks heading to and from the Chennai Port and Airport.
Originally estimated at ₹189.81 crore with an 18-month completion target, the project was delayed due to the pandemic in 2020 and a change in government in 2021. As delays continued, the cost escalated to ₹205.64 crore, and the deadline kept extending until this year.
Finally, on Friday, commuters saw the long-awaited project open for public use. The flyover is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, and provide faster access for industrial transport between Oragadam and Sriperumbudur.
