In a heartwarming celebration of community perseverance and governmental commitment, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the Radha Nagar vehicular subway in Chromepet on Wednesday, bringing joy to residents who have waited nearly 18 years for this crucial infrastructure project to come to fruition.

The newly opened subway, constructed at a cost of ₹31.62 crore, represents far more than just a transportation facility—it's a testament to what communities can achieve when they work together toward a common goal. The project will significantly benefit residents of six vibrant neighborhoods: Radha Nagar, Zameen Pallavaram, Postal Nagar, Nemilichery, Nanmangalam, and Medavakkam, making daily commutes safer and more convenient.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Minister for MSME T.M. Anbarasan, MLAs E. Karunanidhi and S.R. Raja, and Chengalpattu district Collector D. Sneha, all celebrating this momentous achievement alongside the community members who had championed the project.

Originally envisioned in 2006 as a pedestrian-only facility to help residents of East Chromepet access the Grand Southern Trunk Road, the project evolved over the years in response to community needs. In 2016, the Highways department made a responsive decision to upgrade the design to a limited-use vehicular subway, listening to the voices of residents from Radha Nagar Main Road, a bustling market area.

Activist V. Santhanam, who has been instrumental in keeping the project momentum alive, reflected on the journey with pride. "We held many meetings and protests over the years, but we never gave up," he shared. "We kept pushing for its completion because we knew how important this was for our community." His dedication, along with countless other residents, local body representatives, and successive MLAs, demonstrates the power of civic engagement and persistent advocacy.

The railway authorities completed their portion of the work by 2012, constructing the structure beneath the tracks, and now the entire 329-meter-long, 5.5-meter-wide subway stands ready to serve the community. The thoughtful design includes separate service bridges on both the GST Road and Radha Nagar sides, ensuring easy access to Chromepet railway station for commuters. Convenient staircases connect the subway to both Radha Nagar and the GST Road side from the railway station.

Safety features have been carefully integrated into the design, with height gauges installed on both sides to protect heavy vehicles from accidental entry. Modern LED lighting illuminates the retaining walls, ensuring the subway remains bright and welcoming throughout the day and night.

This infrastructure achievement showcases how government responsiveness to community needs, combined with citizen perseverance, can transform urban landscapes and improve daily life for thousands of people. The Radha Nagar subway stands as a beacon of hope for other pending projects, proving that patience, advocacy, and collaboration ultimately yield results that benefit entire communities for generations to come.