Chennai is gearing up for a major political event as Prime Minister Narendra Modi heads to Madurantakam for an NDA election rally on Friday. In preparation for his visit, authorities have rolled out extensive traffic diversions on the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway, popularly known as GST Road, and surrounding routes.
Chengalpattu district police issued the advisory to ensure seamless security arrangements for the Prime Minister’s participation in the National Democratic Alliance’s first major public meeting ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This high-profile rally on the Chennai-Tindivanam stretch of the highway is expected to draw massive crowds from across the state, including volunteers and supporters.
From 7 AM to 7 PM on January 23, heavy vehicles will be barred from plying between Chennai and Tindivanam on GST Road. Commuters heading from Chennai to Tindivanam with heavy vehicles are advised to take the Vandalur-Kelambakkam-Mamallapuram route via East Coast Road (ECR), rejoining GST Road at Marakkanam. Alternative inner roads through Vandalur, Padappai, Oragadam, Valajabad, Kanchipuram, Vandavasi, Tiruvannamalai, and Villupuram have also been suggested.
Vehicles coming from Tiruchi and Salem towards Chennai should use diversion corridors via Ulundurpet, Tiruvannamalai, Vandavasi, and Kanchipuram. Government buses and light motor vehicles will face diversions between 11 AM and 7 PM. Traffic from Chennai to Tindivanam and Villupuram will be rerouted through ECR-based roads or inner paths via Kanchipuram and Vandavasi.
For vehicles from Villupuram and Tindivanam to Chennai, instructions include using Marakkanam-ECR or designated bypass routes. Police urge drivers to plan their journeys in advance, follow traffic signs, and cooperate with on-duty personnel to maintain smooth flow during the Prime Minister’s travel and the large-scale public gathering.
Prime Minister Modi will address the rally with a special election speech, joined by leaders from NDA allies such as AIADMK, BJP, PMK, TMC, and AMMK. This event marks a significant outreach effort by the alliance in the southern state.
