‘FOBs are not the way forward’

As a positive response to our campaign to have lollipop men and women on Old Mahabalipuram Road, some corporates have come forward to adopt FOBs on the stretch

‘We want to adopt a few FOBs on OMR’

FOBs in the city are not designed to encourage people to use them. They are steep with no mid-landing, so people often choose to not use them. Having lollipop men/women is a good option. Akshaya is ready to adopt the FOBs from Madhya Kailash to Kandanchavadi, where we will hire staff to help people cross the road safely. With the help of our ‘safety team’, we can also educate pedestrians about road safety.

T. Chitty Babu, chairman and CEO, Akshaya

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‘New FOB will be aesthetically-designed’

Ramanujan IT City is going to build an FOB that can be accessed from the first-floor platform level of the Thiruvanmiyur station as well as from the service lane adjoining the station. The FOB will be constructed in such a manner that using it, people can reach Ramanujan IT park. The design for the FOB is ready and the facility should be ready for operation by June 2017. This is a first-of its-kind FOB with a cable structure for an elevated walkway built in steel structures with central pylon. It will be maintained by Ramanujan IT City.

C.Velan, ED and CEO, Ramanujan IT City

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‘Impose a fine on those climbing over the median’

Every Thursday, between 8.30 a.m. and 10 a.m., our volunteers create awareness about road safety, at six junctions on Old Mahabalipuram Road.

When our volunteers ask the pedestrians to use the FOBs, many do so and some refuse to, point-blank.

Through awareness programmes, the message is conveyed, but its impact is short-lived.

And, we have to find out why most pedestrians shy away from using FOBs. For many, the design and height pose a challenge.

For some, it is cleanliness. Police must impose a fine on those climbing over the median to cross the stretch.

M. Radhakrishnan, founder, Thozhan

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‘Creating awareness is not enough’

We have been conducting awareness about road safety through plays and mimes that we perform at traffic signals. But, that’s not enough. The mindset of people also has to change. We need more volunteers from IT companies on OMR coming forward to take part in such campaigns.

Krishna Kumar Suresh, founder, Thuvakkam

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‘Let’s invite companies to maintain FOBs’

The other day, I took the foot over bridge (FOB) near Tidel Park after alighting from a train at the

Thiruvanmiyur MRTS station and was shocked at the condition of the FOB. Plastic wastes and discarded food packets were strewn around. Two stray dogs were loitering around. The place was stinking.

This FOB is one of the much-used FOBs on OMR and is this how we should maintain it?

We have a responsibility towards these facilities and should ensure they are kept clean. We have to welcome companies that are willing to maintain these FOBs.

K. Purushothaman, senior director, NASSCOM (Tamil Nadu and Kerala)

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‘FOBs are not for everyone’

Most modern cities across the world are tearing down foot over bridges as they have proved to be uncomfortable

for pedestrians. Installing escalators and lifts is a better alternative, but installing and maintaining them will soak a lot of resources.

OMR actually needs “at grade crossings” (crossing at road level without any vertical difference) for pedestrians at regular intervals. Citi Connect had plans to convert some of the FoBs into art galleries so that people can come there as a destination and not necessarily use them for crossing the road.

Advait Jani, programme coordinator, ITDP