Mon Oct 06 02:46:46 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The State Highways Department is set to widen Chennai’s Sardar Patel Road at an estimated cost of Rs. 45 crores. The project aims to add two lanes, construct pedestrian footpaths, and erect a soundproof wall for the Cancer Institute (WIA). The road, which connects the IT Corridor and Anna Salai, will be widened in two phases. The first phase covers the stretch from IIT Madras to Raj Bhavan, followed by the portion from Raj Bhavan to Anna Salai. The project also focuses on widening narrow footpaths near the hospital and IIT Madras to improve pedestrian safety. A similar plan was proposed in 2005-06 but was later dropped.
**News Article:**
**Chennai’s Sardar Patel Road to Get Major Upgrade with Rs. 45 Crore Widening Project**
CHENNAI, October 6, 2025 – Commuters and pedestrians along Sardar Patel Road in Chennai can look forward to significant improvements as the State Highways Department announces plans for a major widening project. Estimated to cost Rs. 45 crores, the initiative aims to ease traffic congestion and enhance pedestrian safety on this vital artery connecting the city’s IT Corridor and Anna Salai.
The project will add two additional lanes to the existing roadway, bringing it to a width comparable to its connecting thoroughfares. In addition to the lane expansion, the plan includes the construction of much-needed footpaths for pedestrians, particularly addressing the current narrow and hazardous conditions near the Cancer Institute (WIA) and IIT Madras. A soundproof wall is also planned for the Cancer Institute to mitigate noise pollution.
“This road is a crucial link between two major traffic arteries,” stated a source within the Highways Department. “Widening it will significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, especially considering the increasing number of vehicles.”
The project will be executed in two phases. The first phase will focus on the 1.70 km stretch from IIT Madras to Raj Bhavan, followed by the remaining 0.80 km segment from Raj Bhavan to Anna Salai.
Local residents and businesses have expressed their support for the project, emphasizing the need for safer pedestrian access. “The current footpaths near the hospital and IIT Madras are extremely narrow and dangerous,” said Mary, a store worker in Adyar. “Widening them will make a huge difference for patients, students, and everyone who uses this road.”
While a similar plan was proposed in 2005-06, it was ultimately dropped due to jurisdictional issues. This renewed effort signals the government’s commitment to improving Chennai’s infrastructure and addressing the growing demands of its population. The State Highways Department will soon issue tenders for the project, with construction expected to begin in the coming months.
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