Major ECR Road Project Comes Under Fresh Review
The Tamil Nadu government is likely to cancel the tender awarded for the proposed elevated corridor between Thiruvanmiyur and Uthandi on Chennai’s East Coast Road. The project, estimated at around ₹2,100 crore, was planned as a major four-lane elevated road to reduce traffic congestion on one of Chennai’s busiest coastal stretches.
The Highways Department has now started reviewing the project after concerns were raised over the tender process and the high cost quoted for the work.
What Was the ECR Elevated Corridor Project?
The proposed elevated corridor was planned for a stretch of about 13.3 km along East Coast Road, connecting Thiruvanmiyur and Uthandi. It was meant to improve traffic movement on the ECR corridor, especially in areas that regularly face congestion due to local traffic, long-distance movement, beach access, commercial activity and weekend travel.
The project was planned as a four-lane elevated road, with the aim of creating faster movement above the existing road network.
Why Is the Government Reviewing the Project?
The main concern is the cost of the project. Reports say the project was estimated at around ₹157.89 crore per km, which has now come under scrutiny.
Authorities are also reviewing allegations of irregularities in the tendering process. According to reports, the government is examining whether the contract value was higher than the actual requirement and whether the project should proceed at the price quoted earlier.
Why the cost is questioned:
The reported average cost of the ECR elevated corridor is around ₹157.89 crore per km, while an NHAI six-lane elevated corridor on the Maduravoyal–Outer Ring Road NH is reportedly estimated at about ₹147 crore per km. This comparison is one reason the ECR project cost has come under scrutiny
Tender May Be Cancelled
The contract for the ECR elevated corridor is now likely to be cancelled. However, this does not necessarily mean that the idea of improving ECR traffic movement has been dropped completely.
The more likely direction is that the government may cancel the present tender, revise the project cost, and then decide whether to proceed with a revised plan or a fresh tender process.
Earlier Foundation Stone and Project Plan
The project had earlier moved forward as a major infrastructure proposal for Chennai. It was announced as part of the government’s plan to ease traffic pressure along the ECR stretch. The foundation stone had also been laid earlier for the project.
However, with the latest review, the project’s immediate future has become uncertain.
To Conclude
The government is expected to take a final decision after reviewing the tender process, project valuation and cost structure. An official announcement is still awaited.
For now, the key development is clear: the proposed Thiruvanmiyur–Uthandi ECR elevated corridor tender is under serious review, and the government may not proceed with the project at the earlier quoted cost.