Padi Flyover, more accurately known as the Padi Grade Separator, is a large elevated traffic interchange in north-west Chennai. It stands at the busy crossing of Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Chennai’s Inner Ring Road/100 Feet Road corridor, and Chennai-Tiruvallur High Road (CTH Road, now part of NH-716). The junction serves both city traffic and vehicles travelling between Chennai, Ambattur, Tiruvallur-side suburbs and the industrial belt.
Unlike a conventional straight flyover, Padi was built as an elevated rotary with connecting arms and ground-level movements. That is why a driver may have to use a particular ramp or remain below the structure depending on whether the destination is Anna Nagar, Ambattur, Villivakkam, Red Hills-side roads or Koyambedu. The grade separator began functioning in 2009 and remains one of the most recognisable road structures on this side of Chennai.
Padi Flyover Quick Overview
| Particular | Details |
| Location | Padi Junction, north-west Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Main Roads | Jawaharlal Nehru Salai / Inner Ring Road and CTH Road / NH-716 |
| Junction Type | Elevated rotary / multi-arm grade separator |
| Operational Since | 2009 |
| Key Connections | Anna Nagar, Ambattur, Villivakkam, Korattur, Koyambedu and Tiruvallur side |
| Public Transport | MTC buses, suburban rail access from nearby stations and Metro via the Anna Nagar/Thirumangalam side |
| Current Local Factor | Metro Phase II work around Thirumangalam can cause temporary diversions on nearby approaches |
| Traffic Pattern | Busy through the day; heavy commuter and industrial traffic at peak hours |
Where Is Padi Flyover Located?
Padi Flyover is located at Padi Junction, where CTH Road crosses Jawaharlal Nehru Salai. The location acts as an important gateway between inner Chennai and the Ambattur-Tiruvallur corridor. It also links easily with the Inner Ring Road towards Koyambedu and the Anna Nagar side.
The elevated rotary is a useful visual landmark, but drivers should pay more attention to destination signs than to the central structure. Different ramps serve different turning movements, and ground-level roads continue to carry local traffic, buses and pedestrians.
Connectivity of Padi Flyover
The Padi Grade Separator connects two major arterial systems. CTH Road carries traffic between Chennai and the western/north-western suburbs, while Jawaharlal Nehru Salai forms part of the Inner Ring Road network linking Padi with Koyambedu, Anna Nagar, Madhavaram-side corridors and other parts of the city.
For industrial commuters, the junction is especially important for Ambattur Industrial Estate and surrounding employment areas. It is also used by residents of Korattur, Villivakkam, Mogappair and Anna Nagar. Because so many local and through movements meet here, congestion can occur on ramps and below the structure even when the elevated rotary is flowing.
Directions to Padi Flyover
Padi has several arms, so the correct route depends on the direction in which you need to leave the junction.
| Starting Point | Route / Direction |
| Anna Nagar / Thirumangalam | Approach Padi on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai and follow the signed ramp or surface movement for CTH Road, Ambattur or continued Inner Ring Road travel. |
| Ambattur | Use CTH Road towards Padi and follow the marked movement for Anna Nagar/Koyambedu or continue on the required local approach. |
| Koyambedu | Travel north on the Inner Ring Road/100 Feet Road towards Padi and use the indicated grade-separated movement. |
| Villivakkam | Use the local Villivakkam-Padi road network and join the appropriate arm of the junction for CTH Road or Jawaharlal Nehru Salai. |
| Korattur | Approach through the CTH Road/local road network towards Padi and choose the required Anna Nagar, Ambattur or Koyambedu direction. |
| Tiruvallur Side | Follow NH-716/CTH Road towards Chennai and enter the correct lane before Padi Junction for local or Inner Ring Road movement. |
Traffic arrangements around Thirumangalam and 100 Feet Road have been changing during Chennai Metro Phase II construction in 2026. Drivers should check live traffic advisories before using a familiar shortcut, particularly for trips between Padi, Ambattur and Koyambedu.
Nearby Areas Around Padi Flyover
Padi Junction sits beside some of north-west Chennai’s largest residential and industrial districts.
| Nearby Area | Why It Is Relevant |
| Padi | Immediate mixed residential, retail and industrial neighbourhood around the junction. |
| Anna Nagar West | Large planned residential area on the Inner Ring Road side. |
| Ambattur | Major residential and industrial zone reached along CTH Road. |
| Ambattur Industrial Estate | Important employment district generating heavy commuter and commercial traffic. |
| Korattur | Residential locality west/north-west of Padi with suburban rail access. |
| Villivakkam | Established residential locality east of the junction. |
| Mogappair | Large residential area south-west of Padi and Anna Nagar. |
| Koyambedu | Major transport and commercial hub connected through the Inner Ring Road corridor. |
Industrial shift timings, school traffic and Metro construction can significantly alter travel time on short local sections. Leave extra time if your route crosses Thirumangalam or Ambattur Estate during peak periods.
Public Transport and Metro Access
MTC buses use the Padi and 100 Feet Road corridors extensively, giving the junction good surface public-transport coverage. Suburban railway stations such as Korattur and Villivakkam can also be useful depending on the final destination.
The established Chennai Metro Green Line serves the Anna Nagar-Thirumangalam side of the wider area, but there is no Metro station built into the Padi flyover itself. Travellers should plan the last connection by bus, auto or cab. Ongoing Metro Phase II works near Thirumangalam can temporarily affect road access and bus movements.
Driving Tips for Padi Flyover
Identify the destination arm before entering the elevated rotary; last-minute lane changes are risky.
Expect buses and heavy vehicles from the Ambattur industrial corridor, especially around shift changes.
Follow temporary diversion signs during Metro construction rather than relying on an old saved route.
Use designated pedestrian crossings below the structure and avoid stopping on a ramp for pickup.
If you enter the wrong arm, continue to the next legal turning point instead of attempting a reverse movement.
FAQs
Q. Is Padi Flyover a normal straight flyover?
No. Padi is a multi-arm grade separator built around an elevated rotary, with different ramps serving different directions.
Q. Why does navigation sometimes keep vehicles below Padi Flyover?
Ground-level roads are necessary for some local turns and access movements. The elevated route is not automatically correct for every destination.
Q. Are there traffic changes near Padi in 2026?
Yes. Chennai Metro Phase II work around Thirumangalam has led to temporary diversions on nearby 100 Feet Road approaches, so live traffic information is useful.
Q. Is Padi Flyover useful for Ambattur Industrial Estate traffic?
Yes. Padi is a major gateway between the Inner Ring Road/Anna Nagar side and the Ambattur-CTH Road industrial corridor.
Q. Can pedestrians safely cross the road directly under the grade separator?
Pedestrians should use controlled crossings, footpaths and designated facilities where available. Fast turning traffic under a multi-arm interchange can be difficult to judge.
Q. What is the difference between Padi Flyover and Padi Grade Separator?
They refer to the same broad road structure, but “grade separator” is more accurate because the junction includes several elevated and ground-level movements rather than one simple bridge.
