Next month, the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Authority (CUMTA) will release a Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) that details a 25-year vision for a robust public transport network that not only enhances mobility but also reduces traffic congestion and makes roads safer, especially for pedestrians. Reports indicate that the plan will include solutions such as unified ticketing systems across different modes of transport, bus-priority lanes, smart parking solutions, increased investment in non-motorised transport, and more. While the city awaits the CMP, it is perhaps worthwhile to take an objective look at current mobility initiatives and the lessons they can teach.
The modernization of public buses, for instance, is seeing a renewed push. Just last month, the city launched 120 new low-floor electric buses equipped with CCTV cameras and mobile phone charging facilities. It is reported that Chennai’s fleet will grow by another 625 electric buses in the near term. The city’s green transport initiatives also reportedly include converting 7,00 diesel buses to CNG. While this indicates commitment to building a sustainable and eco-friendly bus transport system, the fact remains that the city has an inadequate number of buses to serve its populace. Chennai’s MTC fleet reportedly has around 3,300 buses – a number much below the recommended 6,000.
There’s also, of course, the Phase II expansion of the Chennai Metro. Covering 118.9 kms and three corridors, there’s no doubt the project will greatly improve connectivity throughout the city. It will also introduce 108 driverless Metropolis cars. It appears that the city intends to move towards high-capacity, automated urban transit – a welcome move, by all accounts. However, the system still lacks full-fledged last-mile connectivity. Commuters rely on private vehicles or autos to reach most stations. Poorly maintained approach roads and parking spaces also leave some stations vulnerable to waterlogging in the rainy season, reducing accessibility.
Chennai is also focusing on decentralizing bus transit, with upgrades such as toilets, canteens, waiting halls and resting areas in the offing at the Avadi and Chengalpattu terminals. With an increased number of bus bays, the upgrades will boost operational capacity and help cut down travel time for commuters. Also upcoming is the delayed Kuthambakkam terminal, which aims to serve growing suburban populations. These initiatives, by and large, are expected to reduce congestion at Koyambedu, much like how the Kilambakkam bus terminus is said to have done. However, last-mile connectivity remains a problem here, too. Kilambakkam, for instance, still lacks rail or metro connectivity, limiting its effectiveness. Similarly, upcoming terminals like the ones at Avadi and Chengalpattu must have dedicated shuttle services, bike-share programs or share-auto zones to make the most of their potential.
It almost goes without saying that the city is in dire need of better pedestrian infrastructure. The CMP reportedly aims to upgrade 1,500 km of footpaths, and will also establish dedicated cycle lanes and SmartBike stations. These of course are welcome, provided that they can be maintained free of encroachment. There’s also the matter of stray dogs and cows which hamper and endanger pedestrian movement – much has been written about the matter, but the fact remains that pedestrian upgrades must necessarily bring to the table a solution for the city’s animal menace as well.
With the CMP, Chennai seeks to dramatically transform the current state of its urban mobility with a long-term vision. Big investments in green transit, metro automation and infrastructure upgrades are on the horizon. If chronic issues such as fleet shortages, first and last mile connectivity and accessibility are addressed satisfactorily, the city will gift its people with easier, more comfortable and sustainable commutes.