As a part of the Smart City Project, the Corporation has identified six streets, DB Road, T V Samy Road, Sanganoor Road, Masakalipalayam Road, Race Course Road and Big Bazaar Street to be developed as model roads.
Early in 2016, the design for model roads was designed by expert architects with the guidance of The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP). One Street One width, One footpath, one level, simplified intersections,' park it right' are some of the principles of model roads.
In this regard, the preliminary work for transforming DB Road and TV Samy Road into model roads have commenced. Presently, the existing pavement starting from south corner of the DB Road, (from Savitha hall) has been dug for implementation of model road. The cables pertaining to the TNEB and telephone departments were carefully removed during the process. A new concrete flooring will be laid through the pavement which will have facilities ensuring comfort and safety of the pedestrians.
While most of the citizens of this city are elated to witness their city transformed into a Smart City, the environmentalists urge an eco-friendly and enduring transformation.
'During this process, there are chances that the trees at the fringes of the existing pavement could get damaged. The surface of a handful of trees are already exposed with high possibility of root damage. Hence the Corporation should advise the team on ground to ensure safety of the trees. As proposed, greenery should be given unparalleled focus', said an environmentalist.
During the Smart Streets Exhibition that was hosted on 18th and 19th of February, the Smart City Committee apprised that post expansion of the pavement the pedestrian comfort and safety, along with usage of footpath will increase considerably. Crossing distances will be minimized and pedestrian refuges will be provided for the pedestrians to cross the roads easily. Parallel parking spaces will be created to ease the parking problems along the road.