PLANNING FOR PEDESTRIAN-ORIENTED CITIES IN INDIA: A CASE OF CHENNAI CITY

Abstract

Walking is one of the most simplest and basic modes of transport in a city. Almost every individual walks at some point of time in his or her journey. Walking has numerous health benefits, environmental benefits, economic benefits, transportation benefits and social benefits, because of which people must be encouraged to walk. Creating an attractive and a safe pedestrian environment is a key to developing more livable and walkable communities. With the advent of industrialization and motorization, the urban street scene had become chaotic. The city streets were choked with an explosion of automobiles and private motor traffic. Traffic congestion and environmental pollution had worsened the public realm of the urban space. In conjunction to the urban problems, there was a revolution to control the motorcar movement and create more space for pedestrians, which dawned in early 1940s in Europe. Pedestrianization was introduced as a strategy to relieve the core and other distinct precincts of the city from the misery of traffic congestion. The overall pedestrian environment was made aesthetic and convenient. Pedestrian movement has since then, been gaining centre stage internationally because of the realization that has dawned towards creating sustainable, eco-friendly and transit-oriented cities. The Indian pedestrian scenario, however, is a contrast to the international experiences. Though a majority of people tend to walk in India, the cities are experiencing a rapid decline and deterioration of public transport and pedestrian environment. It is ironical and a matter of disastrous consequences that while there is a rapidly growing concern for making urban development compact and pedestrian-oriented, Indian cities are becoming more apathetic to the pedestrians. The pedestrian infrastructure is in a state of despair and the pedestrian space has been reduced to negligible. In this context of making our cities energy-conserving and 'green', this dissertation aims to draw useful lessons from international experiences & study the prevailing condition of the pedestrian environment in Indian cities and suggest strategies to improve the pedestrian environment and make the cities pedestrian-oriented, through the case of Chennai city. In chapter 1, the background of the study is discussed, followed by the aim, objectives, scope and limitations of the dissertation. The methodology for the dissertation is evolved and the schedule of work to be carried out during the course of the dissertation is prepared. In chapter 2, literature based study has been done on the various aspects of pedestrian environment and pedestrianization strategies. Chapter 2 outlines the importance of walking iv and its numerous benefits and discusses the various attributes and components that make a successful pedestrian environment. It also discusses the concept of pedestrianization and its various strategies. An elaborate study of pedestrian design standards and guidelines has been described and the chapter ends by discussing the legislations and initiatives prevalent in the West and in India and their implementation gap. In chapter 3, international case studies have been studied to understand the success stories of pedestrianization & the strategies employed and how it has benefitted the area & brought more people on foot in the streets. It also discusses a relevant case study of the measures undertaken to improve the pedestrian environment, in an area where pedestrianization cannot be implemented. Useful lessons have been inferred from each of these case studies. In chapter 4, the existing pedestrian scenario of Indian cities has been discussed. Relevant policies and guidelines proposed by urban local bodies and authorities and some key projects undertaken to improve the pedestrian environment are outlined. It also shows a clear picture of the existing pedestrian facilities in Indian cities to draw useful inferences on the overall pedestrian environment in India. In chapter 5, the study profile of Chennai has been discussed. The chapter gives a general outline of the city, its traffic and transport and the master plan proposals for transport in the future. The chapter describes the proposals identified in the master plan & the Chennai Comprehensive Transport Study for pedestrians and identifies the two areas selected in the city for extensive study and analysis and the preparation of the proposals. In chapter 6, the primary survey and field study carried out in certain parts of Chennai city has been discussed. Pedestrian count survey, questionnaire survey, visual survey of the study areas and technique to evaluate select stretches in the city have been outlined and major findings and inferences have been drawn for preparing the recommendations and proposals. In chapter 7, the proposals and recommendations have been discussed. It discusses the detailed planning and design strategies recommended for the select study areas. It also describes the general planning recommendations suggested for the city road and the design guidelines are elaborated, which ought to be followed to bring about a remarkable change in Ehe exiting pedestrian environment. The chapter concludes by suggesting policy ommendations for making other Indian cities pedestrian-responsive..