The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) will build 200 kilometres of new footpaths at an estimated Rs 2 billion to make public streets safer for pedestrians. In the first phase, the civic body has invited bids from consultants to create designs worth about Rs 10 million, insisting on layouts that cut pedestrian–vehicle conflict and comply with Indian Road Congress, Complete Streets and GCC inclusive-design standards.

Plans call for sufficient pavement width, seating areas, and seamless links to bus stops and Metro stations. “A truly walkable city needs continuous, accessible non-motorised-transit infrastructure,” a senior GCC official said.

Alongside, the corporation has tendered a one-year maintenance contract for Marina Beach’s centre medians, roadside parks, fountains and plantations. The winning firm must water trees, prune hedges, clear litter and install water tanks; non-compliance will attract daily penalties of Rs 25,000 to Rs 0.5 million. Results of both tenders are due by late July, with work to begin within 30 days of award.