On the lines of Kathipara Urban Square, Metro Rail plans vibrant spaces in Adyar, Velachery

Chennai Metro Rail plans o spruce up some of the public spaces in the city in Adyar and Velachery to make it vibrant with a host of amenities on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ

Like the popular Kathipara Urban Square, Chennai Metro Rail has identified a few public spaces in Adyar and Velachery which can be transformed into a vibrant area buzzing with activities and recreational facilities. 

According to officials of Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), they have chosen three areas—near the Indira Nagar MRTS station, close to Broken Bridge and at Velachery (closer to the MRTS station).

“We have chalked out a proposal for these areas. Near Broken Bridge, the area can change into a dynamic waterfront with walkways, landscaping and other public amenities. We want to create coastal-friendly environmentally sustainable landmarks spaces for tourism, community engagement and economic activity,” an official said.

“At Indira Nagar and Velachery too, we want to turn it lively with recreational infrastructure, seating spaces, walkways, landscaping with commercial activities like retail outlets. However, the consultant will further enhance these ideas, and we can implement it. We will float bids for the project next week,” the official said.

A few years back, Chennai Metro Rail revamped the area under the Kathipara Flyover with restaurants, play area, walkways and other facilities and the space has been bustling ever since. Hordes of people visit the area especially during the weekends. Officials said, like Kathipara Urban Square, they will transform these spaces in such a way that diverse user groups can utilise it.

Sources said, a high-level meeting was held recently wherein various members of different departments of the State government presented their proposals to beautify some of the public spaces across the city. “The State government liked and approved our designs to beautify these spaces. We will soon start the work,” a source said. 

L Krishna Kumar, resident of Indira Nagar, said, it is a welcome move that public spaces are being spruced up. “There is a dearth of playgrounds for children. So, it will be ideal if they create a safe play area for children living in the community. Everyone should be able access it and it should not be a paid facility. More importantly, after these facilities are created, it should be maintained as a safe space,” he added.