In a major relief for daily commuters, the much-delayed Radha Nagar subway in Chennai is finally set to be opened for public use on January 7, 2026. The facility, constructed near the Chromepet railway station, will be inaugurated by Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, marking the end of a prolonged wait for residents and motorists.
A Project Conceived to Solve a Chronic Bottleneck
The idea for the subway was first conceived back in 2011 with a clear objective: to eliminate the severe traffic congestion caused by the level-crossing at the site. The project, estimated at a cost of approximately ₹14.75 crore, was a joint venture funded equally by the State Highways Department and Southern Railway. For decades, the closing of the railway gates led to long, frustrating queues stretching along Radha Nagar Main Road and the Grand Southern Trunk (GST) Road, creating a notorious bottleneck.
A Journey Marred by Delays and Coordination Hurdles
The path to completion was far from smooth. The project missed several deadlines over the years due to persistent coordination issues and slow progress between the two implementing agencies. While the Highways Department completed its portion of the work relatively on schedule, Southern Railway took several additional months to finalize the staircase and access facilities near the railway platforms. An earlier scheduled opening in September was consequently postponed.
Pallavaram MLA E. Karunanidhi, who recently inspected the site, confirmed to the Times of India that the subway is fully ready. "I have inspected the subway in recent weeks. All works are completed, and the public can access it from Jan 7," he stated. He also clarified that it will be a two-way facility, dispelling any rumors about it being restricted to one-way movement.
Features and Expected Benefits for Commuters
The newly constructed subway runs across the railway tracks, parallel to Rajendra Prasad Road in Hasthinapuram and the GST Road. Its opening is poised to transform daily travel for thousands. Key features and benefits include:
- Elimination of Level-Crossing Delays: Commuters will no longer be held up by closed railway gates, ensuring smoother traffic flow.
- Enhanced Connectivity: The subway will seamlessly connect several residential areas in Chromepet and Hasthinapuram.
- Pedestrian-Friendly Design: A dedicated 3-meter-wide pedestrian pathway allows safe and direct access to the railway station and ticket counters from both sides.
- Improved Last-Mile Connectivity: Buses will now be able to drop passengers much closer to the railway platforms, making the commute more convenient.
The inauguration on January 7, 2026, will thus culminate a 15-year-long wait, delivering a critical piece of infrastructure that promises to decongest the area and significantly improve the daily commute for Chennai's residents.
