The Pattabiram Road Overbridge (ROB) on the Chennai–Tirupati National Highway remains a major bottleneck for commuters, with only one of its two arms operational nearly three years after the project commenced. Over one lakh motorists and commuters endure daily congestion, as the incomplete bridge forces two-way traffic onto a narrow 5.5-metre-wide, three-lane stretch.
Project Details and Current Status
The ROB was designed as a 780-metre-long, 11-metre-wide six-lane structure to ease traffic and eliminate delays caused by the railway level crossing near Pattabiram station. It connects the Pattabiram–Thiruninravur stretch and serves as a key link to the Outer Ring Road junction at Nemilichery. The state government allocated ₹78.35 crore for the project in 2022, and the entire amount has been spent. However, only the arm towards Thiruninravur was opened to traffic on September 25, 2024, while the opposite arm remains unfinished.
Currently, the operational arm is used for two-way traffic with a temporary median, leading to frequent snarls, especially during vehicle breakdowns or minor accidents. The absence of service roads and a roundabout near the flyover exacerbates the problem. Motorists report that buses, cars, and heavy vehicles are forced to use the flyover even for U-turns, worsening congestion.
Additional Funds Sanctioned but No Action
Last year, the state government sanctioned an additional ₹13.5 crore to complete the remaining portion of the ROB, but no work has been initiated. A Roy Rosario, founder of People’s Voice, Pattabiram, highlighted that most buses operating towards Tirupati via Tiruvallur and Tiruttani use this route. He said, “There is no roundabout near the flyover, which is another reason for congestion. In an RTI response earlier, the highways department stated that a roundabout would be provided after land acquisition. However, in a later RTI response, the department said no funds had been allocated as the roundabout was not part of the project.”
Rosario added that motorists are forced to travel nearly 2 km on the flyover before taking a U-turn due to the lack of a roundabout. He also alleged that a portion of the flyover falls under the Railways and that pending works have not yet been inspected.
Residents' Concerns and Official Responses
M Sarath Kumar, a resident of Thandurai, said promises to widen service roads along the bridge have not materialised despite repeated inspections by officials. “Land acquisition has been completed, but the work has not started. The 22-km stretch from Padi to Thiruninravur continues to face encroachments and poor road conditions,” he said.
Railway officials stated that no complaints had been received regarding the ROB but added that necessary action would be taken to inspect the site and facilitate completion of pending works. Highways department officials were unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts.
