Three Corporation wards adjoining the Chennnai Mofussil Bus Terminus — the transport hub plagued by traffic congestion — are set to get a makeover, with wider roads, improved land use planning, better pedestrian facilities, multi-modal integration and infrastructure boost such as bridges.
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), “Preparation of Koyambedu Local Area Traffic and Transportation System Management Strategies and Implementation Plan”, has commissioned a study to understand Koyambedu’s problems and suggest solutions.
Based on the study, civic agencies such as Chennai Corporation will start widening roads and develop modern pedestrian facilities in at least 6.98 sq km of the area covering Arumbakkam, Nerkundram and Koyambedu.
Details sought
The CMDA has asked Chennai Corporation and other line agencies for data on encroachments, parking facilities, economic activity, households, residential neighbourhoods, existing land use, and road accident data to complete the study. “The Chennai Corporation will widen roads, clear encroachments and develop more civic facilities,” said an official.
The area that will receive a makeover covers ward number 105 (Arumbakkam) in Chennai Corporation’s Anna Nagar Zone, ward number 127 (Koyambedu) of Kodambakkam Zone, and ward number 145 (Nerkundram) of Valasaravakkam Zone.
“We are planning to include more junctions in addition to those in these three wards. So the area that will receive a makeover will increase,” said an official.
This is the first time such a study has been done for any neighbourhood in the city, officials said. The area has a population of 1.28 lakh and 29,506 households.
“The land use is primarily commercial. But many residential neighbourhoods have been developed in the area. We will identify the challenges faced by residents and develop facilities to rectify them,” said an official.
Already, the Chennai Corporation has planned to widen Kaliammankoil Street in the area.
“More roads in the three wards will be widened to ease traffic congestion. Pedestrians will be able to walk without any hindrance,” said an official.
Narrow lanes
Former floor leader of Chennai Corporation Council V. Sukumarbabu from ward 105 in Arumbakkam said at least 12 narrow roads such as Panchaliamman Koil Street, ThiruveedhiAmman koil street, and Mariammankoil Street have heavy traffic in the morning and the evening. “The roads have to be widened. Bottlenecks have to be removed,” said Mr. Sukumarbabu.
“Accidents are reported frequently on MMDA Colony Main Road. Several schools are located in the neighbourhood. Pedestrian facilities have to be developed,” he said.
