Projects to use vacant space below bridges fall flat in Trichy

TRICHY: Two years after Trichy corporation allocated funds to redevelop vacant spaces below major road overbridges (RoBs), two projects have failed to deliver the objectives while three others are yet to take off. Instead of using the spaces as play areas or green spaces, the impasse by the corporation has led to encroachments of space below bridges.The civic body allocated ₹25 lakh to develop 40 shops below the Bhima Nagar arm of the Palakkarai bridge to relocate street vendors from the Sedal Mariamman Koil area on Heber Road. Since the hawkers cause traffic congestion, the proposal was okayed and street vendors were supposed to get 50sqft of space each. Two years on, the shops constructed below the Bhima Nagar bridge have become a free parking zone. Abandoned vehicles occupy the space too.Similarly, redeveloped vacant space below Thennur RoB near Sastri Road remains underutilized. Waste and construction debris are dumped while residents complain of drug abuse in the area abutting railway tracks. Fencing and stone benches remain futile.Likewise, space below multiple arms of Aristo bridge remain underutilized despite being located at the heart of the city. While lounges for construction workers are developed, the facility below the bridge remains closed most of the time. “Cars visiting private hotels and wedding halls are exploiting the space below the Trichy junction RoB, which could be utilized for a green belt or some beautification drive with CSR support,” C Balasubramanian, adviser, Trichy district Exnora, said. Residents said a walking track with adequate lights could have developed there.Crawford bridge space at E Pudur is also misused by shops to store inventories while a portion of the bridge near Anbu Nagar is used by schoolkids to play volleyball and cricket. They sought a proper play space beneath the Crawford bridge.Corporation officials said Bhima Nagar bridge’s space will be cleared in the next few days to accommodate stalls for street vendors. “Lights are to be provided; a public toilet is available near the Bhima Nagar bridge approach road. Other areas will be cleaned and utilized properly,” an official said.