Chennai, October 9
Commuters travelling from Tambaram and surrounding residential areas to Chennai’s IT Corridor could get improved public transport connectivity under a proposed bus-priority corridor linking Tambaram, Velachery, Pallavaram and Taramani.
The project is being considered by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) under its Model Urban Mobility Corridors initiative. It aims to improve bus movement between residential neighbourhoods and major employment centres in south Chennai, while connecting with planned bus-priority infrastructure along Pallavaram–Thoraipakkam Road and Old Mahabalipuram Road.
The proposed system could include bus-only lanes during specified hours, depending on traffic conditions and bus volumes. Digital monitoring may be introduced to enforce restrictions, while physically segregated bus lanes could be developed wherever necessary.
The project is expected to involve wider improvements to road infrastructure, including uniform carriageways, green medians, service lanes, upgraded culverts and bridges, safer junctions and grade separators wherever required. Bus bays, bus stops, parking facilities, footpaths and cycling infrastructure are also among the proposed features.
Pedestrian safety will be another focus, with plans potentially including road-level crossings, footbridges and skywalks, depending on local requirements. The project will also examine accessibility for women, children and persons with disabilities.
Flood-prone stretches and watershed catchments will be studied to identify suitable stormwater drainage arrangements. Dedicated utility corridors alongside drains are also proposed to accommodate electricity, water supply, sewage and telecommunications networks, reducing the need for repeated road excavation.
CUMTA will coordinate with Chennai Metro Rail Limited, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation, the Greater Chennai Corporation, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority and the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board while preparing the plans.
The project remains at the proposal and planning stage. Its implementation could improve bus connectivity to the IT Corridor, reduce delays and make roads safer for pedestrians and other commuters.