CHENNAI: Two universities are
helping the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) formulate a
grid of road network plans for villages along the outer ring road (ORR)
and IT corridor by developing them as potential areas to absorb the
future growth of the city.

The big idea is that whenever new roads or upgraded roads are laid, the
work should be done in such a way that the adjoining areas get developed
and a grid of roads is evolved.

The School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada, and School of
Architecture and Planning in Anna University have been appointed as
consultants for the project.

It is learnt that the proposals were reviewed by CMDA member-secretary
recently along with officials from the local bodies. Sources informed
that the initial proposal could be tweaked as some of the proposed roads
have been earmarked over water bodies.

The outer ring road was evolved as part of the recommendations of
first master plan for the Chennai Metropolitan Area to relieve the
traffic congestion in the city by connecting the national highway in
Chennai Metropolitan Area.

The 62.3-km-long outer ring road connects NH 45 (GST Road) at Vandalur,
NH 4 (GWT Road) at Nazarathpet, NH 205 (CTH Road) at Nemilicherry
(Thiruninravur), NH 5 (GNT Road) at Nallur and TPP road at Minjur.

The move comes as the area plans unit of CMDA is currently receiving
planning permission applications for large-scale developments along the
outer ring road.

 It is learnt that SAP, Anna University has proposed the grid of roads
linking 24 villages along the outer ring road, while SAP, Vijayawada is
formulating the grid of road network for 29 villages along the southern
sector of the Chennai Metropolitan Area.

Sources said that once the grid of roads network is prepared, then
detailed development plans under Section 27 of the Tamil Nadu Town and
Country Planning Act  will be prepared. It will specify the ideal use of
each piece of land in the area and guide infrastructure development by
various departments and agencies.