Tue Jan 07 16:38:32 UTC 2025: ## Chennai to Get Service Lanes to Ease Port Traffic Congestion

**Chennai, January 7, 2025** – The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will construct service lanes along the Manali Oil Refinery Road (MORR) and the Inner Ring Road (IRR) in North Chennai to alleviate traffic congestion caused by container trucks. The ₹28 crore project aims to prevent trucks waiting to enter the port from blocking the main carriageways. The MORR lane will be 5.5 meters wide, while the IRR lane will be 8.5 meters wide. NHAI headquarters approval is pending.

Residents, who have voiced concerns about the issue for over two decades, welcome the initiative but emphasize the need for stricter enforcement to ensure trucks utilize the service lanes. Councillor Jayaraman highlighted the existence of an unused 11-acre parking lot intended for trucks, suggesting its utilization could further improve the situation. Police currently attempt to manage truck congestion, but acknowledge the challenges. One officer stated that they actively move parked trucks when possible, prioritizing the safety of other motorists and pedestrians. The completion of the Port-Maduravoyal expressway is also anticipated to divert heavy vehicles, further easing congestion on the MORR and IRR.

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