Chennai: From pavements converted into parking spaces to vehicles occupying bus bays along GST Road, illegal parking has become routine across Tambaram. However, the corporation has still not introduced a parking policy on the lines of Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).Tambaram corporation has around 580 roads, of which nearly 200 connect to key arterial routes such as Velachery–Tambaram Hi,gh Road, GST Road, Medavakkam Tank Road and Perumbakkam High Road. Though these arterial roads are maintained by highways dept, officials say regulation of parking and roadside encroachments falls under the jurisdiction of the local body.During a visit to East Tambaram, Selaiyur and West Tambaram, illegal parking was seen on major roads and interior streets. In many locations, commercial establishments converted pedestrian pavements and roadside spaces into illegal parking areas. Along GST Road near Tambaram bus terminus, an extended bus bay is used as a paid parking lot by a nearby private hospital.In a month, GCC generates revenue of 6 crore through parking alone. With organised parking, the Tambaram Corporation too can generate at least 3 crore a month.Traffic safety remains another concern. According to traffic police data, 130 pedestrians died in road accidents this year in Tambaram, while 280 others were injured after being hit by speeding vehicles. Police say vehicle speeds remain high on peripheral corridors even as the average speed inside the core city dropped below 13km/h due to congestion.V Saritha, secretary of the Ganesh Nagar residents welfare association, said roadside encroachments by eateries and mobile canteens worsened the situation in several areas. “In Pallavaram and West Tambaram, pushcart eateries occupy pavements and itinerant vendors operate along the roadside. People stop to buy food and park their vehicles randomly. The traffic police rarely take action. The corporation must intervene to address this problem,” she said.Tambaram corporation commissioner S Balachander said the civic body faces constraints in identifying dedicated land for parking. “The corporation does not have proper space to allocate for parking. However, we are trying to create awareness and regulate parking in areas where public gathering is high,” he said. He added that the corporation prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for constructing two multi-level parking facilities within its limits.“The proposed facilities will help ease congestion in the market area and East Tambaram,” he said.The commissioner also said a 12-crore project was proposed to develop smart roads in Selaiyur, Camp Road, Rajaji Road and Hasthinapuram. The project will include new pavements, underground cabling and relaid roads.
