A new four‑lane road overbridge (ROB) is taking shape near the defunct Anglo‑French Textiles mill on Cuddalore Road, Puducherry. Spanning roughly 630 metres, the structure will include two service lanes—six metres on the mall side and four metres on the court‑complex side—enhancing safety for commuters heading to the district court and Providence Mall.

Project Background

The ₹72 crore scheme received clearance in 2024, but construction was delayed until 2025 due to the relocation of a temporary bus stand on the AFT mill ground. Since then, work has accelerated, with 29 of the 50 piers erected, marking a 60 % progress rate. Funding is split between the Puducherry Smart City Development Limited (PSCDL), which contributed ₹52 crore from Smart Cities grants, and Southern Railway, which funded the remaining ₹20 crore.

Local Impact

Cuddalore Road, branching off Maraimalai Adigal Salai and linking Mudaliarpet with Uppalam, has long suffered from frequent railway‑gate closures that crippled traffic flow. The overbridge will eliminate these bottlenecks, delivering smoother access to the nearby District Court Complex, Providence Mall, and surrounding commercial hubs.

Official Inspection and Timeline

Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan recently inspected the site in front of the court complex, after reports of ongoing traffic disruptions. Project officials assured him that work is proceeding swiftly and is on track for a March 2027 completion. A senior railway official noted, “The four‑lane bridge is about 60 % complete, with 29 piers in place. The design includes a limited‑use subway similar to the one on 100‑Feet Road, plus an additional subway under construction.”

Community Expectations

Local resident D. Jayaseelan of Kombakkam expressed optimism, stating that the overbridge will substantially reduce congestion in Mudaliarpet, Point Care Street, and Uppalam. He urged that the project be expedited to deliver the promised relief to daily commuters.