Sun Mar 09 18:25:31 UTC 2025: ## Chennai to Install Railings on School Zone Footpaths: A Step Towards Safety or a Patchwork Solution?

**Chennai, March 10, 2025** – The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) announced plans to install railings on footpaths in several school zones across the Teynampet area, aiming to improve student safety. The project, estimated to cost ₹156 lakh, will initially focus on Avvai Shanmugam Salai (₹36 lakh), Conronsmith Road (₹6 lakh), and Padmawathi Road (₹96 lakh). The initiative is intended to prevent vehicles from encroaching on pavements during peak traffic hours.

While the move has been welcomed by some, concerns have been raised regarding the overall accessibility of the pavements. Activist K. Prabhu highlighted the continued lack of proper ramps, a long-standing issue despite promises from the GCC and discussions with disability rights groups. He emphasized that while raised platforms might benefit children, they pose challenges for people with disabilities who require assistance.

Further complicating the matter, Prabhu noted inconsistencies with a ‘healthy streets design checklist’ presented to the GCC in June 2024 by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. This checklist specifies gradient requirements for footpath slopes based on width, but Prabhu claims these guidelines are not being properly implemented. He cautioned that the railing installation might face similar setbacks if not carefully planned.

The GCC has confirmed that this project is a trial run and will be expanded to other school zones based on public feedback. The success of this initiative hinges on addressing the existing accessibility concerns and ensuring the project aligns with established design guidelines.

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