Trichy: Trichy corporation has embarked on a feasibility study to introduce non-motorized transportation (NMT) corridors across the city by covering open stormwater drains adjacent to roads with concrete slabs, thereby providing an exclusive pathway for pedestrians and cyclists. The civic body has tentatively planned to cover 400km-long drains including a new drain network in residential areas. The project will be taken up in a phased manner prioritizing arterial roads.
The local body said that the proposal would serve two major purposes. One, channelize the stormwater drain network to prevent inundation during monsoon, and the other, promote NMT corridors, a green mode of transport by reducing air pollution caused by vehicular exhaust. Protective infrastructure will be provided to the space additionally created over the drains. Roads with open drains and wider roads where new drains could be built are being identified. About 80 km of bus-plying roads will be included in the proposal too. Besides its own funds, Trichy corporation is exploring other sources of funding to implement the project. Officials said that covering of open drains would also prevent dumping of solid waste in them, thereby preventing clogging and inundation. Successful NMT models implemented in other cities are to be studied. “The NMT corridor is viable and will be taken up in different phases covering residential roads where there is a scope. Such designated paths for cycling and walking will be the most sought-after infrastructure due to urbanization,” a senior official said. Trichy corporation will take the support of […]
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