Perungalathur ROB Fully Opens After 26 Years; Streetlights and Traffic Safety Concerns Remain

The ₹262-crore Perungalathur Road Overbridge (ROB) in Chennai has been fully opened to traffic after nearly 26 years. The eastern arm connecting Sadanandapuram and Nedunkundram was opened on Sunday, October 11, 2026, without a formal announcement.

The opening is expected to improve connectivity for motorists travelling between Perungalathur, Sadanandapuram and Nedunkundram. However, the lack of streetlights and traffic congestion near the exit road have raised safety concerns among local residents.

Streetlights Missing on Newly Opened ROB Arm

Workers removed the barricades at the eastern end on Sunday evening, allowing vehicles to use the newly opened stretch. However, the road has no functioning streetlights, making night-time travel difficult.

Residents have also expressed concerns about the presence of wildlife, including crocodiles, Indian rock pythons and cobras, in the Sadanandapuram and Nedunkundram areas.

The narrow road connecting the ROB to the Sadanandapuram–Nedunkundram stretch is another concern. Incomplete forest land acquisition has restricted road widening, resulting in congestion near the exit. Residents have urged the Highways and Forest departments to coordinate and provide proper service roads and lighting.

Perungalathur ROB Project: A Long Journey

The ROB was planned to ease traffic congestion near railway level crossing LC 32, close to Perungalathur railway station, on the Chennai–Tiruchy National Highway.

An initial allocation of ₹86 crore was made in 2000. The railway crossing was permanently closed in 2015, while the project estimate was revised to ₹235 crore in 2018. Land acquisition disputes, the COVID-19 lockdown, electricity infrastructure relocation and forest clearance requirements contributed to delays.

The project later developed into an oval-shaped roundabout connecting Perungalathur, Peerkankaranai, Sadanandapuram, Nedunkundram, Vandalur and Tambaram.

Perungalathur ROB Opening Timeline

2000: Initial project allocation of ₹86 crore.

2015: Railway level crossing LC 32 permanently closed.

2018: Project estimate revised to ₹235 crore.

September 2022: First arm opened to one-way traffic.

June 2023: Section connecting Perungalathur and Kamaraj High Road opened.

August 1, 2024: Third arm on the Tambaram–Chengalpattu route opened.

October 11, 2026: Eastern arm connecting Sadanandapuram and Nedunkundram opened.

The project’s reported cost has now reached ₹262 crore.

What Motorists Should Know

The full opening of the Perungalathuhur ROB is expected to improve connectivity and reduce travel difficulties around the railway crossing. However, motorists should exercise caution when using the eastern arm at night until adequate streetlighting and road access improvements are provided.

The completion of the bridge marks a major milestone for the area, but resolving the remaining safety and congestion issues will be important to ensure smoother and safer travel.