Race Course road in Khajamalai to have more recreational facilities soon

TRICHY: Trichy corporation is redesigning and renovating the walking tracks on Race Course road around Anna sports stadium in Khajamalai to add amenities for morning walkers and encourage bicycle rides.
The stretch will be developed as a model recreational space with refurbished pedestrian platforms, vintage street lights, tree sapling plantations and space for residents to interact.
Officials said the renovation is planned on the existing walking tracks for a length of 4 km around Anna sports stadium and Bharathidasan University (Khajamalai campus).
Pedestrian platforms 10 feet wide will be redeveloped in a phased manner. Presently, the local body is renovating a 240-metre-long stretch between the roundabout near decanting station and the entrance of the sports stadium. Granite slabs will be installed on the platforms so as to allow percolation of rainwater, and tree plantations are planned near the boundaries.
Granite benches will be installed for every 300 metres to help senior citizens engage in morning walks to relax. “Similar vintage style street lights installed at the main office of Trichy corporation will be set up on the walking tracks too. A separate pavement made of pebbles with facilities for 8-shaped walking exercise will come up,” a senior Trichy corporation official said.
As the area attracts bicycle riders, the civic body has plans for an exclusive bicycle track with signboards amid the lawns.
“The redevelopment of the pedestrian platform is welcome. Toilets around the Racecourse road can also be renovated as part of the proposal,” H Ghouse Baig, a resident of Khajamalai, said.
Since maintaining the redeveloped pedestrian platforms with added amenities is crucial, Trichy corporation plans to bring the entire stretch under CCTV surveillance to prevent damage to properties. A portion of the redeveloped walking track will be opened in a week.