First of its kind pedestrian plaza in Pondy Bazaar is simply superb
Posted on: 14/Nov/2019 9:45:40 AM
How many of us know that 4000 people visited Pondy Bazaar in the peak hours before the development of the pedestrian plaza?
It is worthy to note that this pedestrian plaza project was conceived to enhance the unique shopping experience offered by Pondy Bazaar. Point to be noted is reclaiming public spaces for shoppers is very important and this was the objective of this project. It is now said that after the pedestrian plaza the number of people visiting Pondy Bazaar for shopping would increase.
On Wednesday, 13th November 2019, chief minister of TN, Mr. E. Palaniswami rang the bell present at the junction of Thyagaraja Road and Bashyam Road in T. Nagar signaling the inauguration of the first pedestrian plaza in Chennai.
In the future, pedestrian plazas would come in many places like Anna Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur, Velachery and George Town. With space for organizing music, dance, commerce, art and culture events, the pedestrian plaza in T. Nagar would emerge as a major attraction for the kids as well as for the senior citizens of Chennai.
For a long time, streets in Chennai has been considered for just mobility purposes only and now with this pedestrian plaza street in Chennai would be considered as social, public space for everyone like families, kids elders, etc. According to Aswathy Dilip, senior programme manager, ITDP, this is an open-air mall in the heart of the Chennai city.
An important piece of information is chief minister of TN walked 1.4 km stretch of the pedestrian plaza along with the Chennai corporation commissioner Mr. G. Prakash and deputy commissioner (works). Mr. Govinda Rao.
It must be taken into account that the chief minister inspected various elements including ducting for utilities, seating, play equipment, and bicycle sharing system. The technical aspects of the project were explained by a team led by Mr. Nandakumar (chief engineer, Chennai Corporation) and by Mr. Raj Cherubal (Smart city CEO). It was later revealed by Aswathy Dilip that the number of shoppers would increase because of the pedestrian plaza. She added that this plaza was one more step to reduce the dependence on vehicles and it showcases how a city could be enjoyed by walking.
