Gandhi Mandapam junction near IIT Madras to soon be signal-free as highways department completes the widening of Chennai’s Sardar Patel Road
Chennai is set to witness a significant transformation in its traffic management as the Gandhi Mandapam junction near the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras is on track to become signal-free. This change comes as the state highways department completes the widening of Sardar Patel Road, a crucial artery in the city’s transportation network.
Current Traffic Situation
Gandhi Mandapam junction is known for its heavy traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. According to traffic police, approximately 11,000 vehicles traverse this stretch every hour. A significant bottleneck occurs at the Kotturpuram junction, where around 5,700 vehicles from Adyar converge, causing delays and frustration among commuters.
Widening of Sardar Patel Road
The highways department has initiated an extensive widening project for Sardar Patel Road. Currently, the road has two lanes under the IIT flyover, which will be expanded to four lanes. This expansion is expected to facilitate smoother traffic flow and reduce congestion at the junction.
Proposed Traffic Flow Changes
Once the widening is completed, the following changes to traffic flow are planned:
- Vehicles traveling from Guindy to Kotturpuram will have a free left turn.
- Vehicles heading from Kotturpuram to Guindy will be diverted to a free left on Sardar Patel Road, followed by a U-turn under the L-flyover.
- Vehicles from Adyar and Guindy will have a direct route through the junction.
- Vehicles heading to Kotturpuram will be able to make a free right turn from the rightmost lane.
Signage and Safety Measures
To ensure smooth transitions and enhance safety, the highways department plans to install clear signboards at strategic locations. Additionally, an L-shaped median garden will be constructed to facilitate the left turn from the leftmost corridor, approximately 20 meters away from the junction. These measures aim to reduce confusion and improve the overall traffic experience at the junction.
Completion Timeline
Deputy Mayor Mahesh Kumar has indicated that the widening work resumed recently after polling activities were concluded. The project is expected to be completed within a month, with new traffic diversions implemented shortly thereafter. This timeline is critical for alleviating the traffic woes faced by commuters in the area.
Community Feedback
Local residents have expressed their concerns regarding the current traffic management at the junction. B. Ramkumar from the Adyar Kasturba Nagar Residents Welfare Association noted that the IIT-M flyover operates inconsistently, sometimes allowing one-way traffic and at other times two-way traffic. This inconsistency contributes to confusion and exacerbates the traffic situation at Gandhi Mandapam junction.
Previous Developments
The highways department has already completed the widening of the Guindy-Adyar stretch of Sardar Patel Road. However, the widening on the Adyar-Guindy stretch is still pending, as land acquisition processes are ongoing. The completion of these projects is essential for the overall improvement of traffic conditions in the region.
Conclusion
The upcoming changes at Gandhi Mandapam junction are anticipated to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion for thousands of commuters daily. With the completion of the widening of Sardar Patel Road and the implementation of new traffic management strategies, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a more efficient and safer travel experience in Chennai.
Note: This article is based on information available as of April 2026 and may be subject to updates as the project progresses.
