Chennai's Cumta Plans to Transform 25 km and 7.4 km Roads into Demonstration Corridors

en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (Cumta) has recently decided to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to transform two major corridors into exemplary urban mobility corridors. Among them, the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) will be redeveloped along a 25 km stretch from Madhya Kailash to Kelambakkam, while the Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road will be upgraded along a 7.4 km stretch from Pallavaram Bridge to Thoraipakkam junction. The project aims to create main corridors connected to transport hubs, improve "last-mile" connectivity, and promote multi-modal integration.

The detailed project report will outline upgrade plans for public spaces and infrastructure, covering areas beneath elevated roads, grade-separated intersections, and above metro lines, as well as roads integrated with parks, while also improving the road network around public transport hubs. According to a Cumta document, the plan prioritizes walking and cycling and seeks to curb private vehicle use to reduce congestion and vehicle idling at intersections. The goal is to reduce or maintain per-capita annual greenhouse gas emissions compared to the current level by promoting low-carbon mobility options.

The corridor vision covers seamless traffic flow, explicitly prioritizing non-motorized transport and public transport, promoting multi-modal integration, and incorporating congestion mitigation and road safety measures. Recommended proposals include widening and strengthening existing roads to form unified carriageways, complemented by green medians and dedicated service lanes; repairing and widening culverts and bridges, and constructing grade-separated intersections; and identifying pedestrian facilities and safe intersections. In terms of design elements, designated bus bays and parking spaces will be provided, access to railway stations, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations, and metro stations will be improved, and the integration of bus terminals and stops with surrounding urban development will be promoted. The DPR is expected to propose phased intervention measures to minimize disruption to commuters and existing services during implementation. Cumta will rely on this report to guide subsequent detailed design and implementation planning.