Chennai to have nine recreational cycle trails soon

CHENNAI: The work on recreational cycling trails will be taken up along 237.5 km in the city and suburbs covering various scenic and historically important landmarks in Chennai Metropolitan Area, as per a final draft report of Comprehensive Mobility Plan.

According to an official, “Comprehensive Mobility Plan identifies the need of 17,000 bicycles for 205 docking stations at 15 major interchanges and 190 public transit stations in Chennai and its suburbs.” Most of the cycling trails will be along waterbodies, beaches and in the locality of heritage buildings.

Cycling trail along OMR and ECR will cover a length of 29 km. Another recreational cycling trail will be developed from Velachery MRTS to Ottiambakkam quarry covering 30 km.

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has proposed to develop a scenic road along Chembarambakkam Lake and develop a recreational cycling trail from Porur junction to the lake covering a length of 32 km. More than 60 feet will be the width of the road and construction of multi-storied buildings on the landward side has been permitted. “Such recreational cycling trails are likely to attract tourists,” added the official.

A 35 km recreational cycling trail will be developed from Padi to Puzhal lake, linking Padi flyover. The longest recreational cycling trail of 48 km will be developed along the stretch from Padi to Sholavaram Lake in the Chennai Metropolitan Area.

The trail along the Pallikaranai marsh will be developed along a 21 km stretch, connecting Madhya Kailash with the wetland, which will be eco-restored soon.

Madhya Kailash would also be linked with Besant Nagar beach by developing a recreational cycling trail of 10.1 km length. The trail covering 10 km, connecting Koyambedu with Anna Nagar Tower Park, will link shopping malls, commercial areas, parks and transit hubs. Anna University will also have a recreational cycling trail covering 21 km, linking the educational institution with Marina beach.