Work picks up on Rs 621 crore Anna Salai flyover in Chennai as spans arrive

Work on the 3.2 km Anna Salai flyover has gained visible momentum after months of slow progress. Multiple steel spans are being placed near the Saidapet stretch, showing that construction is advancing steadily in key areas where piers have already been completed. (Photo credit: A Prathap/TNN)

Where piers are ready, the highways department has begun placing pre-fabricated steel spans, which connect two piers. These spans, sourced from Mumbai and Gujarat, range from 11m to 30m in length, with longer spans being prioritised to speed up construction in sections that allow immediate installation. (Photo credit: A Prathap/TNN)

The four-lane flyover spans 3.2 km, connecting Saidapet to Teynampet. Out of 91 piers, 40 are complete, with the remainder still under construction. A majority of the piers, 69 in total, are planned along the underground metro corridor, requiring coordination with existing metro structures. (Photo credit: A Prathap/TNN)

Several piers are being constructed on the underground metro corridor. Pre-built metro super-structure columns can support 1,000 tonnes, allowing the flyover foundations to be placed quickly in these spots. Construction over the metro necessitates careful planning and additional safety measures to avoid disruption to existing infrastructure. (Photo credit: A Prathap/TNN)

In areas where piers are being built directly on the soil, the clay surface requires time to stabilise, particularly during the rainy season. These sections progress more slowly than those on pre-built metro columns, highlighting the impact of ground conditions on the overall construction timeline. (Photo credit: A Prathap/TNN)

Work from the Saidapet side has advanced faster, while the Nandanam and Teynampet sections face delays. Moving underground utilities, including 233kV transmission lines, has caused slowdowns. Construction teams are focusing on completing sections with ready piers to maintain momentum despite obstacles. (Photo credit: A Prathap/TNN)

Delays have arisen due to the need to relocate underground transmission lines. Coordinating with utility providers has been essential to prevent interruptions. While some areas await relocation, work continues in other sections to avoid halting the overall project progress. (Photo credit: A Prathap/TNN)

The Anna Salai flyover is one of the state’s most expensive projects due to its steel-fabrication design, construction above the metro corridor, and high utility relocation costs. The combination of these factors makes it both technically challenging and financially intensive compared with standard flyover projects. (Photo credit: A Prathap/TNN)

Commuters have experienced the effects of ongoing construction through reduced road widths and traffic diversions. These disruptions have been long-lasting, affecting daily travel in the area. Completing ready sections first is helping to ease some congestion while other parts remain under construction. (Photo credit: A Prathap/TNN)

While initial estimates suggested completion before major festivals, sources indicate that the flyover may only open by the end of March. Construction teams are working to accelerate progress in ready sections to ensure the project meets its revised timeline and reduces inconvenience for commuters. (Photo credit: A Prathap/TNN)