Chennai: The work for the much-awaited Pedestrian Plaza project, under the Smart City initiative, is under progress, with commuters and shoppers urging the civic body to complete the same by March, as was declared by the Commissioner of Corporation, a couple of months ago.
Pointing out the difficulties faced, Khadir Mohideen, a commuter, said, “For over six months, since the civic body performed the bhoomi pooja and started the work, we have been facing a lot of hardship, as both the pavements on Thyagaraya Road have been dug up, pushing pedestrians to walk on the road.”
“The work seems to be carried out at a slow pace, and several parts of the street where concrete slabs were dumped months ago, are still in the same condition,” he said.
It may be noted that a team of civic body officials had visited the site recently, and announced that the work would see completion by March, this year.
While new pavements designed under the project have come up near Panagal Park, the process is yet to gain momentum in the other three areas- right from Panagal Park to Thanikachalam Road in the first phase, from Thanikachalam Road to Boag Road junction and from Boag Road to Anna Salai.
According to a higher official functioning at the site, “As directed by the Commissioner, work is underway. Due to few issues like obtaining granite stones for pavements, there is a slight lag, but our team is focused on completing the project by March end.”
“We are working in a phased manner all through the three parts of the plaza area and once finished, shoppers and pedestrians will be benefited with plenty of new facilities,” he added.
Sources say, the project aims to provide ample space for walkers to move freely, restriction on movement of certain category of vehicles, adequate e-toilets, resting facilities and cultural centres in the zone.
Meanwhile, residents of places like Sivagnanam Street, Raja Street, Deenadayulu Street, Thanikachalam Road, Dr Thomas Road, Boag Road, are also expecting the work to be done by March.
“Smart parks developed in T Nagar are good with added features. We are looking for a similar end product here,” commented Rishyab Kumar, a software engineer and resident of Sivagnanam Street.