The Chennai Corporation has dropped its plan to acquire private land for the development of world-class roads.
Mayor Saidai S. Duraisamy on Tuesday announced the decision to drop the acquisition of land on roads such as Dr. Ambedkar Salai, at the public consultation meeting held in Kodambakkam for the project.
The civic body had planned to acquire private land to widen some stretches of the roads by six metres to achieve world class standards. The residents of such localities at the public consultation meeting pointed to places of worship, on a stretch of Dr. Ambedkar Salai, that are likely to be affected by the project.
“We do not want to hurt people’s sentiment. There will be no land acquisition on the stretch,” said the Mayor.
Dr. Ambedkar Salai is 14-metre wide in some narrow stretches. The 35-metrewide Ashok Nagar 11 Avenue is the widest of the roads.
The Chennai Corporation will begin the tender process for the world-class roads next month and complete the work in one year.
Ashok Nagar 1 Avenue, 11 Avenue, 4 Avenue and Dr. Ambedkar Salai were selected a few months ago for upgradation to international standards. The four roads are part of 30 stretches identified for an upgrade in congested areas. However, the preparation of estimates for the project was delayed due to a number of challenges including opposition by residents for land acquisition.
The project envisages the usage by a large number of pedestrians and bicycles of roads such as Ashok Nagar 11 Avenue for better connectivity of the proposed metro stations. “One metro station will be constructed at the end of the stretch. So we have planned to attract commuters on bicycles,” said an official.
Modifications in the 3-km-stretch covering four roads will include 10-feet-wide footpaths, six bus shelters, bollards, bicycle tracks, 400-metre parallel parking on Ashok Nagar 11 Avenue, separate provision for cables and 425 new trees on a 1.5-feet wide tree line, to offer an improved motoring experience.
