Chennai plans model mobility corridors on OMR and Radial Road

The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has decided to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) to transform two major city corridors into model urban mobility corridors.

The proposal covers 25 km of Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), from Madhya Kailash to Kelambakkam, and 7.4 km of Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road, from Pallavaram Bridge to Thoraipakkam Junction.

The project is intended to create primary corridors linked with transport hubs to improve last-mile connectivity and multimodal integration.

According to a CUMTA document, the DPR will outline upgrades to public spaces and infrastructure, including areas below flyovers, grade separators and above subways, as well as roads integrated with parks and improvements to the road network around public transport hubs, reported Construction World

The plan will prioritise walking and cycling and seek to discourage private vehicle use to reduce congestion and vehicle idling at intersections.

The aim is to reduce or maintain the status quo of annual per capita greenhouse gas emissions through the promotion of low-carbon modes.

The proposed corridor vision includes seamless traffic flow, clear priorities for non-motorised transport (NMT) and public transport, multimodal integration, decongestion measures and comprehensive road safety.

The proposals will include widening and strengthening existing roads to achieve a uniform carriageway with a green median and dedicated service lanes, Construction World reported.

The plan will also cover the rehabilitation and widening of culverts and bridges and the construction of grade separators.

The DPR will identify pedestrian facilities and safe intersections.

Design elements will include designated bus bays and parking bays, improved access to railway stations, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations and Metro stations, as well as measures to integrate bus terminals and stands with surrounding urban development.

The DPR is expected to set out a programme of phased interventions so the work can be implemented while minimising disruption to commuters and existing services.

CUMTA will use the DPR to guide subsequent detailed design and implementation planning.