The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is planning to install railings on footpaths on Avvai Shanmugam Salai, Conronsmith Road, and Padmawathi Road under the Teynampet Zone.
The work at Avvai Shanmugam Salai will be carried out at an estimated cost of ₹36 lakh; at Conronsmith Road, ₹6 lakh; and Padmavathi Road, ₹96 lakh.
The move has been planned keeping in mind the number of schools at these places and the safety of students, an official in the Bus Route Roads Department said, adding: “The GCC has been taking steps to ensure that two-wheelers and four-wheelers do not drive on pavements during heavy traffic congestion…”
According to an official, this work would be carried out on these three roads on a trial basis and extended to more school zones based on public feedback.
The implementation, however, needs to be proper as there are several snags in the current system, activists have pointed out.
K. Prabhu, an activist, said the pavements lacked proper ramps that were promised several years ago by the GCC. “In January, the GCC discussed pavement accessibility with various associations for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), which stressed the issue of footpath height. Unfortunately, the problem remains unresolved. While raised platforms may help children, those needing assistance, like me, still face challenges,” he added.
It is also to be noted that the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, in June 2024, in a meeting with the GCC, presented a ‘healthy streets design checklist’ according to which footpaths that are 5-feet-wide or less must have a slope with a gradient of 1:8. Those over 5-feet-wide should have a slope with a gradient of 1:15.
Mr. Prabhu said this was done only on paper. “Hence, the decision to install railings must also be checked as there may be snags in the future,” he added.
Published – March 09, 2025 11:55 pm IST