Chennai's Khader Nawaz Khan Road Transforms into Pedestrian Plaza
Chennai's Khader Nawaz Khan Road, once notorious for its bumper-to-bumper traffic and chaotic parking, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a pedestrian-first high street. The revamped 500-meter commercial stretch, extending from the Uttamar Gandhi Salai junction to Rutland Gate 4th Street, was officially inaugurated on Thursday by Chief Minister M K Stalin. This development marks Chennai's second pedestrian plaza, following the successful model established in T Nagar.
A Vision for Walkable Urban Spaces
Implemented under Chennai's Complete Streets Programme in collaboration with the World Bank, this ambitious project aims to convert one of the city's busiest lifestyle corridors into a walkable, accessible, and economically vibrant public space. The redesign has strategically reclaimed nearly 2 meters of underutilized road space on both sides to create wide, continuous footpaths. Officials emphasize that this intervention aligns with Supreme Court directives on providing safe pedestrian infrastructure, adhering to Indian Road Congress norms.
Enhanced Safety and Infrastructure
The new design incorporates several traffic-calming measures to improve safety for all road users. Cobblestone paving has been installed to provide tactile and visual cues, naturally encouraging vehicles to slow down. Additionally, clearly marked drop-off bays are set back from the main carriageway and seamlessly integrated with pedestrian paths, preventing chaotic stopping and merging that previously plagued the area.
Beyond surface improvements, the project includes significant upgrades to underground utilities. Water supply, drainage, electricity, telecom, and stormwater drainage systems have been placed in dedicated ducts beneath the footpaths. This innovative approach reduces the need for repeated road cutting and minimizes disruptions to daily life.
Addressing Flooding Concerns
Shivani B, an associate at ITDP India, the technical partner for the project, highlighted the comprehensive efforts to address local flooding issues. "After detailed technical studies, existing blockages in the stormwater drainage systems were cleared, improving water flow into the Nungambakkam Canal. These steps are expected to prevent flooding on KNK Street during normal rainfall, directly addressing problems witnessed during the 2023 floods," she explained.
Economic and Social Benefits
The transformation of KNK Road is anticipated to deliver a strong economic boost to the area. Pre-project surveys conducted by ITDP India recorded significant pedestrian activity, with more than 200 pedestrians per hour during morning peaks and over 350 per hour in the evenings. Greater Chennai Corporation officials are optimistic that the positive trends observed at the T Nagar pedestrian plaza will be replicated here. In T Nagar, sales increased by 15% to 20%, and land values rose by up to 20% within two years of the plaza's establishment.
This pedestrian plaza initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to urban development, prioritizing people over vehicles and fostering a more sustainable, livable city environment. By enhancing walkability and accessibility, Chennai continues to set benchmarks for urban transformation in India.
