Foot over bridge at Chromepet and Taramani to get escalators

The decision by the Highways Department to install escalators on foot over bridges in Chromepet and Taramani, Chennai, at a cost of approximately ₹7.5 crore, represents a micro-level intervention with significant macro-level implications for urban planning, public accessibility, and governance in India. This project, involving five pairs of escalators (ten units in total), highlights the ongoing efforts by state governments to enhance urban infrastructure and improve the quality of life for citizens.

**Background Context:** India's rapid urbanization has led to unprecedented growth in vehicular traffic, particularly in metropolitan areas like Chennai. This surge in vehicles often comes at the expense of pedestrian safety and convenience, especially at busy intersections and major arterial roads. Foot over bridges (FOBs) are a common solution to ensure pedestrian safety by allowing them to cross roads without interacting with vehicular traffic. However, traditional FOBs, often equipped only with stairs, pose significant accessibility challenges for the elderly, persons with disabilities (Divyangjan), pregnant women, and those carrying heavy luggage. This has historically limited their usage, leading pedestrians to risk crossing busy roads at ground level. The demand for more inclusive and user-friendly infrastructure has grown, pushing urban planners and government bodies to consider solutions like escalators or lifts.

**What Happened:** The Tamil Nadu Highways Department has placed orders for the procurement and installation of ten escalators (five pairs) at selected foot over bridges in Chromepet and Taramani. These locations are critical suburban hubs in Chennai, characterized by high pedestrian movement due to commercial establishments, educational institutions, and residential areas. Chromepet, for instance, is a bustling area on the Grand Southern Trunk Road, while Taramani is known for its IT parks and educational institutions, attracting a large number of daily commuters. The estimated cost of ₹7.5 crore signifies a substantial investment in enhancing pedestrian mobility and safety in these specific areas.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:** The primary stakeholder is the **Highways Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu**, which is responsible for the planning, funding, tendering, and execution of this project. Their mandate includes the development and maintenance of state highways and major district roads, often extending into urban areas. **Pedestrians and Commuters** are the direct beneficiaries, gaining safer and more convenient access across busy roads. This includes students, office workers, shoppers, and especially vulnerable groups like the elderly and Divyangjan. **Local Residents and Businesses** in Chromepet and Taramani will also be impacted, both during the construction phase and by the improved accessibility, which could potentially boost local economic activity. Finally, **private contractors and escalator manufacturers** are crucial stakeholders as they will be responsible for the supply, installation, and potentially maintenance of the escalators, having won the tenders floated by the department.

**Why This Matters for India:** This initiative holds significant importance for India's urban development narrative. Firstly, it underscores the growing emphasis on **pedestrian-friendly infrastructure** and **inclusive urban planning**. By addressing the accessibility gap in FOBs, the project aligns with the goals of making cities more livable and accessible for all citizens, a key objective of national urban policies. Secondly, it contributes to **road safety**, a critical concern in India where road accidents claim numerous lives annually. Enabling safer road crossings reduces pedestrian fatalities and injuries. Thirdly, it reflects the **state's commitment to public welfare** and responsive governance, demonstrating an understanding of citizens' daily challenges and investing in practical solutions. Such projects, though local, contribute to the broader vision of 'Smart Cities' by improving urban mobility and quality of life. Economically, public infrastructure spending, even on this scale, creates local employment and stimulates related industries.

**Historical Context:** The evolution of urban infrastructure in India has seen a gradual shift from purely utilitarian structures to more user-centric designs. While basic FOBs have existed for decades, the integration of features like escalators and lifts is a more recent trend, driven by increased public awareness, advocacy for disability rights, and advancements in urban planning philosophies. The **Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016**, has been a landmark legislation, mandating accessibility in public buildings and infrastructure, pushing government agencies to adopt universal design principles. Prior to this, accessibility was often an afterthought, but now it is increasingly becoming a core component of infrastructure projects.

**Future Implications:** The success of these escalator installations could set a precedent for similar projects across other congested urban centers in Tamil Nadu and potentially inspire other states. It may lead to a broader policy shift towards mandating accessibility features in all new public infrastructure projects and retrofitting existing ones. However, future implications also include challenges such as **maintenance and operational costs** of escalators, ensuring their consistent functionality, and protecting them from vandalism. Effective long-term maintenance strategies will be crucial for the sustained benefit of this investment. Furthermore, such projects contribute to fostering a culture of public transport usage by making access points more convenient, thereby potentially reducing reliance on private vehicles and easing traffic congestion in the long run.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:** The constitutional framework primarily places such infrastructure projects under the purview of state governments. According to the **Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution**, 'roads, bridges, ferries, and other means of communication' fall under **Entry 13 of the State List (List II)**. This empowers the Tamil Nadu Highways Department to undertake such projects. While the direct execution is by a state department, the broader goals align with the spirit of **Article 243W** (Powers, authority and responsibilities of Municipalities, which includes urban planning and public health), as these projects directly impact urban living conditions. Crucially, the project's focus on accessibility resonates strongly with the principles enshrined in the **Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016**, which mandates equal opportunities and access to infrastructure for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the **National Urban Transport Policy, 2006**, emphasizes the provision of high-quality public transport and non-motorized transport infrastructure, including safe pedestrian facilities, aligning with the objectives of this initiative.