Civil society raises concerns over Chennai's smart roads

15 Jun 2023 CW Team

The Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) has issued a statement highlighting the project's objectives of providing citizen-centric services, promoting public transport and non-motorised modes, improving road safety, and integrating multiple modes of transportation. Nevertheless, during stakeholder consultations, it became evident that the project's specifications and plans do not align with key mobility goals.

The CAG's statement expressed disappointment that the project lacks focus on expanding and improving walking, cycling, and public bus services and infrastructure, as well as promoting integrated transportation modes and enhancing women's safety in public transport and spaces. In response, members of civil society have written a letter to the Department of Highways and the project consultants, Larsen & Toubro, addressing these concerns.

One particular issue highlighted by the statement is the absence of adequate bus infrastructure, with only one stretch being considered. Even on this stretch, concerns have arisen regarding the positioning of bus stops on the left side of the road while the lanes are on the right side, which raises questions about how buses will safely switch lanes. The CAG argues that the lack of emphasis on public transportation calls into question the overall effectiveness and safety of the project.

Sumana Narayanan from CAG believes that if executed correctly, this project could provide Chennai with an opportunity to develop an inclusive and future-ready transportation system that meets the livelihood and mobility needs of its people.

Jenny Mariadhas from Poovulagin Nanbargal stated that while the Chennai Corporation and the State Government are actively striving to reduce the transport sector's emissions, the evolving design of the 'Smart Urban Road' project contradicts this larger objective.

The State Highways department is making preparations to implement a smart urban roads project in Chennai as part of the Chennai City Partnership Programme, which is funded by the World Bank. However, concerns have been raised by members of civil society regarding the project's neglect of public transport and non-motorised modes of transportation.The Citizen Consumer and Civic Action Group (CAG) has issued a statement highlighting the project's objectives of providing citizen-centric services, promoting public transport and non-motorised modes, improving road safety, and integrating multiple modes of transportation. Nevertheless, during stakeholder consultations, it became evident that the project's specifications and plans do not align with key mobility goals.The CAG's statement expressed disappointment that the project lacks focus on expanding and improving walking, cycling, and public bus services and infrastructure, as well as promoting integrated transportation modes and enhancing women's safety in public transport and spaces. In response, members of civil society have written a letter to the Department of Highways and the project consultants, Larsen & Toubro, addressing these concerns.One particular issue highlighted by the statement is the absence of adequate bus infrastructure, with only one stretch being considered. Even on this stretch, concerns have arisen regarding the positioning of bus stops on the left side of the road while the lanes are on the right side, which raises questions about how buses will safely switch lanes. The CAG argues that the lack of emphasis on public transportation calls into question the overall effectiveness and safety of the project.Sumana Narayanan from CAG believes that if executed correctly, this project could provide Chennai with an opportunity to develop an inclusive and future-ready transportation system that meets the livelihood and mobility needs of its people.Jenny Mariadhas from Poovulagin Nanbargal stated that while the Chennai Corporation and the State Government are actively striving to reduce the transport sector's emissions, the evolving design of the 'Smart Urban Road' project contradicts this larger objective.

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