CHENNAI: Residents of CIT Nagar and Srinagar Colony in T Nagar are set to get continuous footpaths as the GCC moves into the second phase of pedestrian infra works on bus route roads this year.

The new works will cover CIT Nagar West 1st, 2nd and 3rd streets, Srinagar Colony East Mada Street, Lourdes Das Grotto Road and CIT Nagar Main Road, where footpaths will be laid on both sides of the carriageway.

Together, the stretches add up to nearly 3 km and will be laid at an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore. The project is part of a citywide effort to build 200 km of footpaths at a cost of Rs 200 crore, aimed at making streets safer for pedestrians while encouraging short trips on foot instead of two-wheelers or cars.

Phase 1 works covering 17.995 km were already taken up with construction under way, covering about 18 km across 23 roads, focusing on repairing damaged footpaths, filling missing links and improving walking conditions along busy corridors and neighbourhood streets including Basin Bridge Road, Vepery High Road, Dr Besant Road, City Link Road and Velachery Main Road.

Each upgraded stretch will feature interlocking block pavements, bollards to deter vehicle intrusion, fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC) gratings, precast saucer drains, and silt catch pits, alongside ramps and other accessibility features suited for the elderly and persons with disability. The footpaths will also have improved intersections for safer access to bus stops, Metro Rail stations, etc.