Chennai: Navigating the bustling MC Road in Royapuram, North Chennai, is often a daunting task. With streetside vendors and crowds causing congestion, traffic crawls along with incessant honking, reminiscent of Delhi’s Chandni Chowk.
However, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is set to transform this scenario with the Complete Streets Project. Launched in 2020, this initiative aims to decongest MC Road and make it pedestrian-friendly. The project includes the construction of safer and wider footpaths and seamless mobility features, transforming the area into a commercial hub and a popular hangout spot for Chennaites.
The Complete Streets Project also targets the revamping of multiple stretches across six neighbourhoods in Chennai. The GCC began executing the project on MC Road in February this year and on Khader Nawaz Khan (KNK) Road in Nungambakkam six months ago. These stretches are expected to open to the public by June 2025. Formerly known as the Chennai Mega Street Project, the initiative is part of a broader plan to improve the city step-by-step. However, GCC officials note that the unavailability of land poses a significant challenge, necessitating the optimal use of available space.
“This is called the Complete Streets Project because it aims to provide all the amenities a street should have,” Christy, communication cell in-charge of the GCC, says. The project follows the success of the Pondy Bazaar revamp under the Smart City Project, which opened to the public in 2019. Once a congested shopping area, the nearly 800-metre-long stretch of Pondy Bazaar in T Nagar has been transformed into a vibrant social space at a cost of nearly Rs 40 crore. It now features wider footpaths, greenery, seating areas, a children’s play area, food joints, and shopping stores, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
Conceptualised in 2011 and inaugurated in 2019 by the then Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Pondy Bazaar’s transformation included relocating street vendors to the ‘platform shop owners business complex’, owned by the corporation. The GCC’s ongoing efforts to enhance Chennai’s urban infrastructure highlight a commitment to creating a more pedestrian-friendly and efficient cityscape, setting the stage for future development and improved quality of life for its residents.
