Anna Flyover

Anna Flyover, also known as Gemini Flyover, is a dual-armed flyover in the central business district of Chennai, India. Built in 1973 and dubbed one of the top-rated flyovers in the country, it is the first flyover in Chennai and the third in India, after the ones at Kemps Corner and Marine Drive in Mumbai. It was the longest flyover in the country when it was built. Its main purpose is to allow traffic movement on Mount Road—now renamed Anna Salai—near Nungambakkam High Road (Uthamar Gandhi Salai) to continue unhindered by the cross traffic. The presence of the Gemini Studios, which was demolished later, resulted in the flyover coming to be known as Gemini Flyover and the area being referred to as the Gemini Circle.On two sides of the circle roundabout below the centre of the flyover are two identical statues of a man controlling a horse placed there to commemorate the banning of horse racing.Anna Flyover has been beautified with other elements such as water fountains, landscaping of its 24000sqft traffic islands, cove lighting under the traffic movement area, restoration of the horse statue, a toilet for the police personnel, murals depicting social messages, and so forth.History and designAnna flyover was constructed in 1973 by East Coast Construction and Industries in 21 months at a cost of 6.6 million and was opened to traffic on 1 July 1973. The architects of the flyover had made provision for its extension, if necessary, on either side. Not much has changed since its design in the 1970s, which was said to have been approved by a committee comprising senior officials and experts. The original lighting has been changed though. The flyover is 500 m long.