The Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPRR), a significant infrastructure initiative, is rapidly progressing as it enters a crucial stage with the tendering process for its fifth and final section, expected to be finalized this week. The ambitious Rs 15,000-crore project aims to create a 10-lane, access-controlled circumferential highway encircling the city, enhancing connectivity and decongesting existing roads.
Funded by entities such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and TNRDC, the 133-km peripheral ring road is designed for high-speed travel, with vehicles allowed to reach speeds of up to 120 kmph. The road will feature two-lane service roads on both sides for the benefit of residents, along with vehicular underpasses at 55 locations to facilitate local movement across the highway.
Once completed, the CPRR is expected to alleviate congestion on existing ring roads, particularly for heavy vehicles entering Chennai from neighboring Tamil Nadu districts, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. The project aims to provide improved connectivity to Ennore and Kattupalli ports while offering easier access to suburban and peri-urban areas like Singaperumalkoil, Thiruvallur, Sriperumbudur, Mamallapuram, and Ennore.
The project has garnered positive responses from residents, anticipating reduced travel times and enhanced transportation options. However, concerns have been raised about potential toll rates, echoing previous issues faced by residents along the Chennai Outer Ring Road. The hope is that the implementation of GPS-based toll collection across highways in the country could address these concerns.
Construction is already underway in sections such as Ennore-Thatchur and Thiruvallur Bypass Road, managed by top firms like Tata Projects and L&T. Notably, these stretches will feature Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) with incident detection systems, enhancing safety and providing real-time traffic information. A control center, likely to be established near Thatchur, will play a pivotal role in alerting authorities and displaying traffic information on variable message sign (VMS) boards, contributing to a smoother and safer travel experience.