The widening of the East Coast Road (ECR) from Kottivakkam to Akkarai, for a length of 8.6 km, into a six-lane highway, is likely to be completed by the end of January.

Highways Minister E.V. Velu said the implementation of the project had been long delayed due to issues pertaining to land acquisition, which have now been rectified.

Sources in the Highways Department said the process of land acquisition was almost done for some parts of a 1.2-km stretch. “There were some discrepancies in land records. Those have been set right. The disbursement of payment to the owners of these land parcels will be taken up soon,” the source said.

The project to widen the road from Thiruvanmiyur to Akkarai was announced way back in 2005, along with a token amount of ₹10 crore.

However, it did not take off due to several factors, including court cases involving a large number of small properties and frequent sale of lands leading to change in title deeds.

Though the project gathered speed in 2018-19, when portions of the road were widened wherever possible, it came to a grinding halt during COVID-19, and picked up pace just last year.

Residents raise concern

P. Suresh, a resident of ECR, said the widening had led to vehicles being parked on the outermost lanes.

“We continue to restrict driving to the two lanes at the centre. Before the median was constructed, we were able to overtake vehicles. But now, that is not possible, and we are driving at the same slow speed. What is needed is better traffic regulation,” he further said.

Parameswaran of Palavakkam said that since the properties acquired were not in a straight line, the roads were curved, and so were the storm-water drains that run along them.

“The mud piles near the storm-water drain in Injambakkam have grass growing on them. Moreover, the newly constructed footpaths are encroached upon, forcing pedestrians to walk on the carriageway,” he added.

Published – November 02, 2025 12:49 am IST