Chennai, July 18:
The Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority (TNSHA) has initiated steps to reduce the cost of the proposed elevated corridor connecting Thiruvanmiyur and Uthandi along the East Coast Road (ECR). The 13.3-kilometre, four-lane project, originally estimated at ₹2,100 crore, is now expected to be brought down to approximately ₹1,500 crore.
To achieve this reduction, TNSHA has decided to constitute a technical committee tasked with identifying cost-cutting measures. The panel will examine various aspects of the project, including pillar design, foundation structure, road width, and construction materials. Officials believe that certain specifications currently exceed the project’s actual requirements and can be modified without affecting safety or performance.
According to preliminary assessments, revising these technical elements could lead to a cost reduction of nearly 25 to 30 per cent. The authority has emphasised that any changes will be made carefully to ensure that structural integrity, safety standards, and operational efficiency are not compromised.
Officials have also indicated that contractors involved in the project will be required to adopt the revised specifications once finalised. Those unwilling to comply with the updated guidelines may opt to withdraw, allowing the project to proceed under the new cost-efficient framework.
The proposed elevated corridor is expected to ease traffic congestion along the busy East Coast Road stretch, a key route connecting Chennai with its southern suburbs. With the revised plan, the project aims to strike a balance between infrastructure development and financial prudence.