Sun Apr 06 17:04:40 UTC 2025: ## Chennai Unveils Ambitious Mobility Plan to Tackle Traffic Congestion

**Chennai, April 6, 2025** – The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) has released a Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) aimed at alleviating the city’s severe traffic congestion and improving pedestrian safety. The plan addresses the challenges faced by a rapidly growing population within the Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA), which is projected to reach 156 lakh by 2046.

The CMP highlights the current struggles faced by commuters, particularly two-wheeler riders whose average journey speeds plummet to 17.1 km/h during peak hours. Pedestrians, accounting for 33% of road fatalities, suffer from inadequate and unsafe footpaths. Currently, only 16.3% of roads have footpaths, and a mere 13.5% are wider than 1.5 meters.

To combat these issues, the CMP proposes significant expansions to the city’s transport infrastructure:

* **Metro Rail Expansion:** The existing 54-kilometer network will be significantly expanded with new corridors and extensions to key areas like the airport and St. Thomas Mount. This is expected to increase the Metro Rail’s mode share from the current 1.5%.
* **Suburban Rail Upgrades:** The 239-kilometer suburban rail network will see new routes and increased frequency, connecting key areas like Tambaram, Chengalpattu Junction, and Gummidipoondi.
* **MTC Bus Network Enhancement:** The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) bus network will be expanded and integrated with other public transport systems, including increased bus numbers and improved route efficiency.
* **Intermediate Public Transport (IPT) Growth:** The CMP aims to bolster IPT services like shared autos and cabs to improve “first-mile” and “last-mile” connectivity, expanding from the current limited 200 authorized vehicles on 16 routes.
* **Improved Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety:** The plan includes creating wider footpaths and dedicated cycle tracks, addressing footpath encroachments and building high-quality non-motorised transport (NMT) infrastructure.
* **Road Improvements:** Key corridors will be widened, roads upgraded, and new loop roads introduced to alleviate congestion. Dedicated freight corridors are also proposed to reduce truck traffic.
* **Rail Over/Under Bridges:** The construction of Rail Over Bridges (ROBs) and Rail Under Bridges (RUBs) will ease traffic bottlenecks at railway crossings.

Public consultations are currently underway to finalize the CMP before implementation. The plan represents a significant investment in Chennai’s future, aiming to create a more efficient and safer transport system for its growing population.

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