Chennai's much-awaited L-shaped Madhya Kailash flyover opens for commuters

Over 11,000 vehicles crossing Madhya Kailash daily are set to benefit after CM M K Stalin inaugurated the ₹60-crore L-shaped flyover linking Sardar Patel Road and OMR. The 650m-long, four-lane flyover is expected to ease congestion significantly.

Officials said nearly 3,760 vehicles are expected to use the flyover every hour, improving traffic flow between Guindy, Adyar and OMR corridors.

While traffic moved smoothly on the flyover, congestion was reported on the opposite side of Sardar Patel Road. Vehicles heading from OMR to Guindy and Adyar via U-turns caused a 400m-long snarl till Gandhi Mandapam junction.

To tackle congestion, highways officials and traffic police plan to make Madhya Kailash and IIT Madras junctions signal-free. Officials said signals at Gandhi Mandapam were creating a choke point on Sardar Patel Road.

A new U-turn is being created between the L-bridge for vehicles from Kotturpuram heading to Guindy. With free left turns planned, the Gandhi Mandapam signal may be removed, ensuring smoother traffic movement.

Traffic police will monitor movement patterns for a week. Officials said incorrect ‘right turn’ boards at Madhya Kailash will be replaced with clearer signage to prevent confusion among motorists.

Vehicles from OMR to Adyar will use rightmost lanes earlier for U-turns, while Guindy-bound traffic will move left. Officials said with the junction made signal-free, collision risks will be minimal and movement more fluid.

Vehicles from Kendriya Vidyalaya heading to OMR will need to go via Adyar and take a U-turn at Kasturba Nagar. Officials said consultations showed commuter impact would be limited due to low traffic volume.

The highways department plans a park at the central junction area. A 158m-long foot overbridge linking Kasturba Nagar MRTS station to CLRI via OMR and Sardar Patel Road is also under construction with four access points.