The Hindu 01.08.2013
Grid system for Chennai roads gets a leg up
The proposed grid system for the city’s roads just got a boost with the State government approving of Rs. 400 crore for the third phase of the mega city development mission.
The integrated grid system, one of the mission’s major projects, has been proposed for roads across all 15 zones in the city.
Under it, roads will be improved, stormwater drains will be constructed or improved, and streetlights and footpaths will be set up. The civic body has started making a list of roads that need better facilities. “Zonal officials have been asked to prepare a list, based on residents’ feedback from every ward,” said a Chennai Corporation official. Officials said the list would be compiled by the first week of August. Residents’ associations can request their respective zonal officers to include any stretch in their area that they think needs improvement.
The grid system was originally planned for 360 roads in the eight zones that comprised the expanded areas of the Corporation under the first phase of the mission, which had funding to the tune of Rs. 333.27 crore.
Under the second phase, for which Rs. 427 crore was allotted, all 15 zones were brought into the ambit. The State government has approved Rs.400 crore for the third phase of mega city development mission. The funds will be used for development of integrated grid system of roads in all the 15 zones of the city.
The civic body has started preparing a list of roads for development of grid system of roads, including stormwater drains, streetlights and footpaths. “Zonal-level officials have been asked to start preparation of a list of stretches that require better roads, storm water drains and footpaths. Each of the wards will identify such stretches based on residents’ feedback,” said an official of Chennai Corporation.
“We have decided to adhere to the latest Indian Roads Congress standards. Both roads and footpaths will be improved significantly under the new standards,” the official said.
Ward councillors said they were happy that funding had been approved as they could now ask for better roads and footpaths along many stretches.
“Some of the roads in my locality have improved after the completion of work under mega city development mission phase I. But more can be done,” said R. Manoharan, councillor of ward 191. “We expect further improvement over the next six months,” he added.
S. Suryababu, councillor of ward 10 in Thiruvottiyur, said: “Some of the roads in my ward have improved. Other work is under way. Residents have asked for the work to be completed on time.”
The civic body has also planned to improve interior roads in the added areas of Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Ambattur, Valasaravakkam, Alandur, Perungudi and Sholinganallur with unused funds from the first phase of the mega city development mission.
Under the first phase, a grid system was planned for all eight zones comprising the expanded areas of the Corporation. Under the second phase, all 15 zones were covered.
A total of Rs. 333.27 crore was approved by the Corporation for the implementation of the grid system covering 360 roads in the first phase; Rs. 427 crore was approved in the second phase. This had not been possible earlier, as a large part of the mission’s funds were allocated to Metrowater, and the Corporation had to drop some work on stretches where Metrowater had begun projects.