Rampant encroachments undermine Tiruchi’s smart pavements

Rampant encroachments in Tiruchi threaten pedestrian safety and traffic flow, undermining smart pavement initiatives and exacerbating congestion.

Indiscriminate parking of vehicles and rampant encroachments on pavements continue to be a persistent problem in Tiruchi, posing challenges to pedestrian safety and smooth traffic flow across the city.

Periodic enforcement by the Tiruchi Corporation and the city police has not resolved haphazard parking on arterial roads and commercial stretches. Vehicles often block pavements, forcing pedestrians onto the road and increasing traffic risks.

Encroachments by roadside vendors, shop extensions, and temporary structures have narrowed the limited pedestrian space. Pavements in busy areas such as Vayalur Road, Puthur High Road, Melapudhur Main Road, Thanjavur Road, Pudukottai Main Road, Thillai Nagar, West Boulevard Road, Ponmalai Service Road, Karur Bypass, Salai Road, Sastri Road, and areas surrounding bus stands and markets are obstructed, leaving little room for safe movement.

Under the Smart Cities Mission, the Corporation launched a smart pedestrian platform project in 2020 to develop pavements on key stretches, including West Boulevard Road, Puthur High Road, and EVR Road, at a cost of over ₹69 crore. However, residents allege that the project’s benefits have been undermined by poor enforcement and continued encroachments.

“Even where pavements exist, they are either occupied by parked vehicles or encroached upon by shops. It becomes difficult, especially for the elderly and children, to walk safely,” said a city resident.

Traffic congestion has worsened in several parts of the city due to indiscriminate parking along narrow stretches. In localities such as Thillai Nagar and Sastri Road, shopkeepers have reportedly occupied pavements by erecting banners and extending commercial activities.