GCC & CMDA Begin Study to Widen 6 Arterial Roads in Chennai: Experts Raise Urban Planning Concerns
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) have launched a feasibility study to widen six key arterial roads to four lanes, aiming to ease congestion and improve urban mobility. The roads under review are:
- Gandhi Mandapam Road
- Sardar Patel Road
- New Avadi Road
- Dr Radhakrishnan Road
- Paper Mills Road
- Kamarajar Salai
Project Objective:
Launched in January, the study marks the initial step in a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at decongesting busy corridors and integrating with Chennai’s long-term mobility and master plans.
Next Steps:
A comprehensive proposal, including cost estimates and land acquisition needs, will be prepared after the study’s completion.
Concerns from Urban Planners:
- Roads like Dr Radhakrishnan Road and Kamarajar Salai face major constraints due to dense development.
- Widening may infringe on commercial, institutional, and religious structures.
- Risk to pedestrian infrastructure and setbacks is high.
- Experts warn of “induced demand,” where wider roads invite more vehicles, negating congestion relief.
- Concerns over losing informal parking in setback areas, pushing vehicles into main carriageways.
Expert Suggestions:
- Enforce stricter Floor Space Index (FSI) norms to control vertical growth.
- Focus on integrated transport planning, not just road expansion.
- Balance infrastructure with public transit upgrades, environmental sustainability, and pedestrian safety.
GCC’s Position:
The corporation states that the study is only preliminary and promises to incorporate feedback from citizens and planners in the final plan.
