Chennai: The Pedestrian Plaza at Pondy Bazaar, that is yet to be completed, has now been beautified with colourful paintings at several locations, much to the surprise of shoppers here.
According to sources, the walls have been painted in various themes by a group of artists, while a splash of colour has been added to the seating benches too.
Few other facilities like Smart Cycling stations, serial lightings both at the pavement and road sides, have added to the charm of the place, feel many.
“The entry to the plaza from Panagal Park side is decorated with paintings on walls, offering a grand welcome to visitors,” commented Rohini Rajesh, a shopper here.
“With Smart Cycling facility available at the entrance itself, I tried one such vehicle and drove all around the plaza with ease and completed my shopping,” she added.
The facility, first of its kind in the city, is all set to be inaugurated this month, it is learnt.
On the other features of the project, a civic official said, “Huge trees that are all around the place, are equipped with benches, thereby allowing shoppers to get the much-needed rest. Near Thanikachalam Road junction, where the first phase of the plaza ends, the walls of the Metro Water Board office, have been painted colourfully.”
“More facilities like a children’s play area, e-toilet facilities and water fountains will be added in due course,” added the official.
Also, tree saplings kept at several locations are well-covered in triangular fences, which are both attractive and space-effective.
“One major issue that remains is the parking of two-wheelers and cars, on the newly-erected pavement. This needs to be addressed quickly,” pointed out Syed Jalal, a shopper here.
To this, the official informed that the multi-level parking lot which is coming up at the entrance of the second phase of the plaza near Thanikachalam Road, will address the parking issue once for all.