Chennai’s Guindy Racecourse Road expansion project, launched at a cost of ₹31.25 crore to ease traffic congestion, has come under criticism from motorists who allege the work is proceeding without proper planning and coordination. They claim the shortcomings could end up wasting public money and even recreate bottlenecks once the project is completed.
Guindy is a key transit hub with Metro Rail, suburban rail and major bus terminals such as the CITCO and Racecourse bus stands. The road near the Racecourse bus stand is currently narrow, leading to frequent congestion. Commuters also face safety risks while crossing the road, as there is no subway or dedicated pedestrian bridge connecting the bus stand to the railway station.
The Greater Chennai Corporation had planned to upgrade the Racecourse bus stand and widen the existing 60-foot road to 100 feet over a 1-km stretch. The plan also included building a pedestrian overbridge from the Racecourse bus stand and linking it to the railway foot overbridge, extending connectivity up to the CITCO bus stand. Funding was arranged through the World Bank, state infrastructure sources and the corporation’s capital funds, and a contract was awarded to a firm named TMS.
However, motorists say only about 30% of encroachments have been removed so far, and land acquisition for a portion of the reclaimed Racecourse premises has not been completed. As a result, work is being carried out within the already narrow roadway, with drains and footpaths being built without the intended widening. They also point to instances such as a new drain being constructed alongside an existing drain that is reportedly in good condition, and a 10-foot-wide footpath being laid where a 4-foot footpath was expected—reducing road width sharply at a curve and worsening congestion.
Corporation officials acknowledged that administrative issues, changes in government and transfers of officials led to delays. They said approvals for acquiring the reclaimed Racecourse land were not granted by the concerned departments, and that the project had to proceed within available space to meet timelines. Officials added that the issue of constructing a new drain next to an existing one would be examined, and that work on the pedestrian overbridge in the Racecourse area would begin soon, while the overbridge work near the CITCO bus stand has been handed over to the Highways Department.
