The World Bank would be providing funds to set up 13 pedestrian plazas across the Chennai city.
In Chennai, GCC or Greater Chennai Corporation has selected few roads like Tiruvottiyur High Road ( Old Washermenpet to New washermenpet), Evening Bazaar Road and Rattan Bazaar Road, Anna Nagar Third Avenue,Kilpauk Garden Road, Pulla Avenue, Dr Radhakrishnan Salai- Cathedral Road, Eldams Road, Velachery Main Road, Canal Bank Road, West Canal Bank Road, Taluk Office Road, Race Course Road and Sasthri Nagar.
It has been brought to light by some initial studies that a total of 50km would be developed as pedestrian plaza and there would be walking space, cycling lane,parking lane etc. According to the underground designs, Tangedco ducts would get the most space, next would be the torrent gas line, SWD, metro water sewage line etc beneath the road.
It was explained by Chennai Corporation Commissioner Mr. J. Radhakrishnan that regulation would be improved to prevent the misuse of the pedestrian pathway for unauthorised parking. By this, the intent of pedestrian plaza would be realised fully. Both cyclists as well as the pedestrians would have a proper space on the streets.
There are constraints regarding the resources and GCC must prioritise their projects. His was according to a former professor of urban engineering, Anna University, Mr. K.P. Subramanian. He added that the footpaths used by the poor must be fixed. It is important to note that the pedestrian plazas are cost intensive projects and most roads do not have paths. Importance must be given to that.