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Chennai's Rs 200-Crore Footpath Revamp Aims to Boost Pedestrian Safety Citywide

The Greater Chennai Corporation has launched a major Rs 200-crore initiative to reconstruct ageing and damaged footpaths across the city. The first phase, worth Rs 70.37 crore, is underway in six zones covering areas like Anna Nagar and Besant Nagar. Unlike patchwork repairs, the project involves complete reconstruction with new concrete walkways, kerbs, and safety bollards. Officials aim to complete the works within six months per site, with subsequent phases planned to improve walkability and urban infrastructure.

Key Points: Chennai Launches Major Drive to Rebuild Ageing Footpaths

  • Rs 200-crore citywide footpath revamp
  • First phase worth Rs 70.37 crore in six zones
  • Complete reconstruction for durability and uniformity
  • Focus on safety for seniors and disabled
2 min read

Chennai Corporation launches drive to rebuild ageing footpaths, works underway in six zones

Greater Chennai Corporation begins Rs 70-crore first phase to reconstruct damaged footpaths across six zones, enhancing walkability and safety.

"The stretches have been identified based on zonal inputs and field inspections, and additional areas will be covered progressively. - GCC Official"

Chennai, Feb 9

The Greater Chennai Corporation has launched a major citywide programme to reconstruct ageing and damaged footpaths, aiming to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and overall streetscape quality.

Under the Rs 200-crore footpath revamp initiative, the civic body has sanctioned works worth Rs 70.37 crore in the first phase to rebuild pavements across multiple neighbourhoods. The project is being implemented by the GCC's Special Projects Department through nine infrastructure packages.

The first phase covers Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 13, spanning residential areas, interior roads and key commercial corridors across north, central and south Chennai. Major localities identified for the upgrade include Anna Nagar and MMDA Colony in the west, the Besant Nagar-Indira Nagar belt in the south, and stretches around Kathipara and Sastri Nagar.

Officials said the stretches were prioritised based on inputs from zonal offices and detailed field inspections that assessed the condition of existing pavements.

Unlike earlier patchwork repairs, the current initiative focuses on complete reconstruction to ensure durability and uniformity. The works involve dismantling damaged footpaths, laying new base layers and constructing fresh concrete walkways. Kerbs and edge restraints will also be installed to improve structural stability and prevent encroachments.

The project will also incorporate pedestrian-friendly streetscape elements, including bollards to enhance safety and protect walkers from vehicular intrusion.

According to officials, the revamped footpaths are expected to provide safer and more comfortable walking conditions, particularly for senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities. The works are scheduled to be completed within six months from the date each site is handed over.

A senior GCC official said similar works would be taken up in other parts of the city in phases. "The stretches have been identified based on zonal inputs and field inspections, and additional areas will be covered progressively," the official said.

With a growing focus on walkability and sustainable urban mobility, the revamped footpaths are expected to encourage residents to walk more for short trips while enhancing Chennai's urban landscape and civic infrastructure.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a welcome step for pedestrian safety. But the real test will be maintenance and preventing encroachment by shops and parked vehicles. Corporation needs to ensure strict enforcement after construction.
A
Arjun K
Rs 200 crore is a huge amount. While the intent is good, I hope there is transparency and the funds are used efficiently. We've seen many such projects where the quality is poor and they break within a year.
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Sarah B
As someone who lives in Besant Nagar, I'm really looking forward to this. The current footpaths are uneven and full of obstacles. Making the city more walkable is crucial for reducing traffic and pollution. Great initiative!
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Vikram M
Good to see focus on Zones beyond the core city. But what about the other zones? The six-month timeline sounds ambitious. Hope the work doesn't cause too much disruption to traffic and daily life while it's ongoing.
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Kavya N
Inclusion of bollards and thinking about accessibility for disabled persons is a very positive sign. A city's progress is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. Hope they also ensure proper tactile paving for the visually impaired.

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