PM Modi's Tamil Nadu rally: Extensive traffic diversions on Chennai’s GST Road amid 7-tier security

PM Narendra Modi

• PM Modi to address NDA's first major election rally near Madurantakam, TN
• Seven-tier security and 3,500 personnel deployed for the event
• Major traffic diversions on GST Road; heavy vehicles banned 7 am to 7 pm Friday

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A stringent, multi-layered security blanket will descend upon parts of Chengalpattu district on Friday, with extensive traffic diversions on a major national highway, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Tamil Nadu to address a pivotal election rally.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to arrive at Chennai Airport from Thiruvananthapuram around 3.30 pm on Friday, before travelling by helicopter to the rally venue near Madurantakam, according to police.

The event, organised by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), is its first major campaign gathering ahead of the state’s Assembly elections and is expected to draw a significant crowd from across Tamil Nadu.

In anticipation, the Greater Chennai Police have instituted a prohibition on the flying of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles in the city. Meanwhile, the Chengalpattu district police have crafted an elaborate seven-tier security arrangement, deploying approximately 3,500 personnel and have issued a comprehensive traffic advisory to manage movement on the crucial Chennai–Tindivanam stretch of the GST Road (Chennai–Tiruchi National Highway).

Major highway restrictions



The police advisory outlines a phased closure for different vehicle categories. Heavy vehicles will face a complete ban on the GST Road between Chennai and Tindivanam from 7 am to 7 pm on Friday. Subsequently, light motor vehicles and government-operated buses will also be diverted away from this stretch between 11 am and 7 pm.

Authorities have designated multiple alternative routes for commercial and long-distance traffic. Heavy vehicles travelling from Chennai towards Tindivanam are advised to use the coastal route via Vandalur, Kelambakkam, Mamallapuram and the East Coast Road (ECR), rejoining the GST Road at Marakkanam.

Several inland diversion options have also been specified, including routes passing through Padappai, Oragadam, Walajabad, Kancheepuram, Vandavasi, Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram.

Traffic originating from western and southern directions will be similarly rerouted. Vehicles coming from Tiruchi and Salem towards Chennai must proceed via Ulundurpet, Tiruvannamalai, Vandavasi and Kancheepuram to connect to the Keelambakkam bypass for the city.

High-profile political gathering



The rally holds considerable political significance, marking a unified show of strength for the NDA coalition in the state. Alongside the Prime Minister, the event is expected to be attended by leaders from alliance partners including the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), the Tamil Maanila Congress and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam.

The Chengalpattu district police emphasised that the traffic restrictions are an essential component of the security protocol for the VVIP visit and the anticipated large public gathering. They have urged all motorists, particularly those operating heavy goods vehicles, to plan their journeys in advance, heed all traffic signage and cooperate fully with police personnel on duty to ensure minimal disruption.