TNSCZMA Clears ₹204-Crore Steel Bridge Project Linking ECR and OMR
The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) has approved the ₹204 crore steel bridge project that will connect East Coast Road (ECR) and Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) across the Buckingham Canal. The authority has recommended the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to consider granting CRZ clearance.
In its recent meeting, TNSCZMA directed the Highways Department to ensure that the canal’s natural hydrology, water flow, and spread remain unaffected during both construction and operation.
According to the proposal, the bridge will come up at Neelankarai, providing direct connectivity between Pallavaram–Thoraipakkam 200 Feet Road, OMR, and ECR. Currently, the two arterial roads connect only at Tiruvanmiyur and Sholinganallur, leaving an 11 km stretch without a link.
The new bridge is expected to significantly reduce travel time and offer direct access to Chennai Airport from Tiruvanmiyur.
Project Details
- Total Project Cost: ₹204 crore
- ₹142 crore for land acquisition
- ₹36 crore for construction
- ₹26 crore for link roads
- Total Length: 335 metres
- CRZ Area: 99 metres
- Structure: 6-lane steel bridge
- Completion Timeline: 5 months
Why a Steel Bridge?
The Highways Department stated that a steel structure will:
- Reduce approach length by 43 metres on each side
- Reduce construction time from 11 months to 5 months
- Lower carbon footprint
- Use high corrosion-resistant materials
- Provide a more sustainable alternative to RCC structures
TNSCZMA has also mandated the use of anti-corrosive coatings and regular environmental monitoring to protect water quality, sedimentation, biodiversity, and the ecological character of the Buckingham Canal.
