Major Highways & Driving Tips in Chennai, India
1. Chennai Bypass Road
The Chennai Bypass Road helps you avoid city traffic by connecting NH4, NH5, and NH45. It is a toll road, but it saves time during peak hours. This road is ideal for long-distance travelers looking to bypass the city.
- Toll Charges: Be prepared to pay toll fees for faster travel.
- Traffic Avoidance: Helps in avoiding congested city roads.
- Connectivity: Connects major national highways.
- Travel Time: Reduces travel time significantly during rush hours.
2. Anna Salai (Mount Road)
Anna Salai is one of the oldest and busiest roads in Chennai, running through the heart of the city. It is lined with important landmarks and commercial establishments. This road is crucial for accessing central Chennai.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest roads with historical landmarks.
- Commercial Hub: Hosts numerous shops and businesses.
- Public Transport: Well-served by buses and metro.
- Traffic Congestion: Often crowded, especially during peak hours.
3. East Coast Road (ECR)
The East Coast Road is a scenic highway along the coast, connecting Chennai to Pondicherry. It is popular for its beautiful views and tourist attractions along the way. Ideal for leisure drives and weekend getaways.
- Scenic Views: Offers beautiful coastal views.
- Tourist Attractions: Access to beaches and resorts.
- Road Condition: Generally well-maintained.
- Safety: Drive carefully, especially at night.
4. OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road)
OMR is known as the IT corridor, hosting many tech parks and companies. It is a key road for professionals working in the IT sector. The road is busy during office hours but has good infrastructure.
- IT Hub: Home to many IT companies.
- Infrastructure: Well-developed with modern facilities.
- Traffic Patterns: Heavy traffic during office hours.
- Public Transport: Served by buses and shared cabs.
5. Poonamallee High Road
This road connects the city center to the western suburbs and is a major arterial road. It is lined with hospitals and educational institutions. It is crucial for accessing the western parts of Chennai.
- Healthcare Access: Proximity to major hospitals.
- Educational Institutions: Hosts several colleges and schools.
- Traffic Flow: Busy during school and hospital hours.
- Connectivity: Links central Chennai to the suburbs.
6. Inner Ring Road
The Inner Ring Road is a semi-circular road that helps in bypassing the city center. It connects several major highways and is useful for avoiding inner-city traffic. It is a vital road for cross-city travel.
- Traffic Bypass: Avoids congested city areas.
- Highway Connections: Links multiple highways.
- Travel Efficiency: Improves travel time across the city.
- Road Condition: Generally well-maintained.
7. GST Road (Grand Southern Trunk Road)
GST Road is a major highway connecting Chennai to the southern parts of Tamil Nadu. It is crucial for long-distance travel and freight transport. The road is busy with both passenger and commercial vehicles.
- Long-Distance Travel: Key route for southern Tamil Nadu.
- Commercial Traffic: Heavy with freight vehicles.
- Public Transport: Well-served by buses and trains.
- Road Safety: Exercise caution due to mixed traffic.
8. Chennai Outer Ring Road
The Outer Ring Road is designed to ease traffic congestion by providing an alternative route around the city. It connects the northern and southern suburbs. This road is ideal for avoiding city traffic during long-distance travel.
- Traffic Management: Reduces congestion in the city.
- Suburban Connectivity: Links northern and southern suburbs.
- Travel Time: Speeds up long-distance travel.
- Toll Road: Includes toll fees for maintenance.
9. Velachery Main Road
Velachery Main Road connects the bustling area of Velachery with other parts of Chennai. It is lined with shopping malls and residential complexes. This road is important for local commuters and shoppers.
- Shopping Access: Proximity to major malls.
- Residential Area: Dense with housing complexes.
- Traffic Congestion: Busy during shopping hours.
- Public Transport: Served by buses and local trains.
10. Arcot Road
Arcot Road is a key road in the western part of Chennai, connecting several residential and commercial areas. It is known for its vibrant local markets and eateries. This road is essential for accessing the western suburbs.
- Local Markets: Hosts vibrant markets and shops.
- Dining Options: Known for local eateries.
- Residential Access: Connects to many housing areas.
- Traffic Patterns: Busy during market hours.