Pedestrians were the beneficiaries of two major projects approved by the Chennai Corporation Council on Thursday. The Rs.83-crore pedestrian plaza in T. Nagar and the Rs.135-crore project for international roads in Ashok Nagar both got the nod.
Work on commissioning of the pedestrian plaza with a commercial theme is likely to begin in two months. The World Bank will partially fund the project. “The work will be completed in six months after the issuance of the work order,” said an official of Chennai Corporation.
The pedestrian plaza will have a 3-metre-wide bicycle track with 15 docking stations and 20 cycles in each station. Commuters using the upcoming Metro Rail system on Anna Salai will also be able to use the cycle tracks to reach the commercial neighbourhood of T. Nagar.
Chennai Corporation has divided the stretch into three zones. The first zone between Bashyam Road and the Thanikachalam Road junction will have the largest number of attractions for pedestrians visiting T.Nagar.
“A fountain, six cultural monuments, a play-area for kids, vendors and information boards will be among the attractions in the 730-metre stretch,” said an official.
Zone 2, extending from Thanikachalam Road to Dr.Narasimhan Road, will have parking areas for cars. Zone 3 will have two-way traffic. The Corporation will also commission rider sewers on Thyagaraya Road as part of the project. “The new system will prevent road cuts. New property tax assessees can get sewer connections without digging roads,” said an official.
Roads will be laid with M60 grade of concrete and cycle tracks will have coloured concrete. Separate ducts for optic fibre cables and power supply will also be commissioned.
Stainless steel hand rails will demarcate boundaries. Walkers will have access to waiting sheds and seating to view animated electric, neon, illuminated signs and news scrolls. Tactile tiles to help persons with visual disability will cover the entire stretch.
“An escalator will also be commissioned for pedestrians crossing the plaza. We will identify the location shortly,” said an official.
The council also approved a project for ‘world class’ roads on Dr. Ambedkar Road, Ashok Nagar 4th Avenue, 1st Avenue and 11th Avenue. These will also get bicycle tracks and pedestrian facilities.
