Velachery Flyover Project Paused Due to Overlap With New Metro Corridor
CMRL Requests Halt on Velachery Flyover Work Due to Metro Alignment Overlap
The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has asked the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to temporarily stop work on the proposed 3 km Velachery flyover, after discovering that a significant stretch of the structure overlaps with the alignment of the upcoming Tambaram–Velachery–Guindy metro corridor.
According to officials, nearly 650 metres of the flyover - between the Guru Nanak College junction and Five Furlong Road junction on the 200-Feet Radial Road - clashes directly with the planned metro route. More than 20 flyover pillars fall in the metro alignment, and a metro station is proposed near Phoenix Marketcity, raising concerns that the flyover may have to be demolished later if built now.
The flyover, intended to ease peak-hour congestion along Race Course Road, Five Furlong Road and the Velachery Bypass, handles high-traffic loads of 7,459 PCUs and 7,742 PCUs at key junctions. However, CMRL officials warn that proceeding without coordination could lead to major structural conflicts once metro construction begins.
A senior GCC official confirmed that four rounds of discussions have taken place.
“CMRL requested a two-month pause. We have asked for clarity within a month and kept the contractor on standby,” the official said.
GCC has also expressed willingness to allow CMRL to construct the overlapping flyover portion themselves and reimburse the cost, to prevent potential redundancy.
Meanwhile, CMRL is finalising the Detailed Feasibility Report (DFR) for the metro line.
A CMRL official added:
“If GCC proceeds now, demolition is highly likely. We have asked them to keep work on hold until alignment is finalised.”
The final decision is expected soon as both agencies work to ensure seamless integration of Chennai`s flyover and metro infrastructure.
