Chennai Corporation’s plans to decongest and revamp T. Nagar are finally taking shape. A blueprint has recently been released of the proposed Pedestrian Plaza in the congested Pondy Bazaar area, which promises a host of changes. A senior Corporation official says, “This project will provide T. Nagar with a much-needed facelift and, most importantly, streamline traffic. We are conducting several studies to assess project feasibility and are confident it will benefit pedestrians greatly.”
Estimated to cost Rs. 83 crore, the pedestrian plaza will be a 1.4 km stretch from Panagal Park to Mount Road. Says Advait Jani, project coordinator, ITDP (Institute for Transportation and Development Policy), Chennai, “It will create breathing space and also resolve the chaotic parking scenario. There will be road diversions in T. Nagar. The Corporation plans to bring in mini busses and electric cars too.”
The design creates three zones: Zone 1 from Panagal Park to Dr Nair Road, with a large pedestrian plaza on the south and a dedicated bus lane with wide sidewalk on the north. The bus lane will become a service lane for shops in the evening. Zone 2 will be from Dr Nair Road to Residency Towers on North Boag Road, with a pedestrian plaza on the south and a bus lane on the north. Service lanes are provided on both sides with parking slots along the length. Zone 3 will extend from Residency Towers to Mount Road and will be a standard four-lane carriageway with mixed traffic and wide sidewalks with parking.
Raj Cherubal, Director-Projects, Chennai City Connect (CCC), says that cities across the globe are facing road congestion issues and such projects not only benefit residents but also translate into high commercial activity. “Rental rates around Times Square shot up 70 per cent after the pedestrian plaza came up. The plaza here will encourage people to walk and reduce traffic in the area.”
Residents, of course, hope the plaza will reduce congestion. Says shopper Ramya S., “It’s about time a dedicated pedestrian zone was created in T. Nagar. And we need strict implementation of rules.” Vijay Kumar, a T. Nagar resident, believes the project will not only improve civic amenities but boost real estate. “Rental rates will rise once the project is finalised. The plaza will be a boon to pedestrians and I hope traffic management is improved in time.”
While the plaza design concentrates on pedestrians, one cannot ignore the street vendors who were relocated to the Pondy Bazaar Hawkers’ Complex last year. Says Lalitha Selvarajan, Researcher, Transparent Chennai, “The footpaths once occupied by hawkers are now encroached by shops. I hope the new pedestrian plaza will have a dedicated space for hawkers as well. They should be monitored to prevent encroachment on roads and sidewalks.” As Lalitha points out, the plaza can work only if certain reforms are introduced, such as legalising parking and imposing strict fines.
