Anna Flyover, Bridge in Chennai, India
Anna Flyover is a concrete bridge in Chennai that connects major roads with large supporting pillars. The structure spans multiple intersections, allowing vehicles to bypass traffic signals below.
Anna Flyover was built in 1973 by East Coast Construction and Industries in 21 months at a cost of ₹6.6 million, opening to traffic on 1 July 1973. It was Chennai's first flyover and India's third, and the longest in the country when completed. The area takes its other name, Gemini Flyover, from the now-demolished Gemini Studios beside it.
The flyover and the circle below take their name from Gemini Studios, the film studio demolished to make way for Parson Manor and The Park hotel. On two sides of the roundabout beneath the centre stand identical equestrian statues, sculpted by M. N. Jayaram Nagappa, commemorating the ban on horse racing in Tamil Nadu.
Anna Flyover carries Anna Salai over the junction below; pedestrians cannot walk on the flyover deck, so cross at ground level around the roundabout. The two equestrian statues stand on either side of the circle beneath the centre of the span. Traffic beneath the intersection averages about 20,000 vehicles per hour, so allow time when crossing.
The two identical equestrian statues flanking the roundabout below the flyover commemorate the banning of horse racing in Tamil Nadu; the sculpture was made by M. N. Jayaram Nagappa, son of sculptor Rao Bahadur M. S. Nagappa. The flyover's name comes from Gemini Studios, demolished and replaced by Parson Manor and The Park hotel.
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