Commercial establishments and eateries have encroached upon footpaths along major roads in Tiruchi, disrupting public mobility and posing safety concerns for pedestrians. Despite periodic efforts by the Tiruchi Corporation, encroachments persist on roads like Thanjavur Road, Puthur High Road, Vayalur Road, West Boulevard Road, Pudukottai Main Road, Ponmalai Service Road, Karur By-pass Road, Salai Raod, Sastri Road, and Pattabiraman Salai.
Establishments for commercial activities, two-wheelers, vendors, and eateries occupy footpaths, leaving pedestrians with limited space for walking. On many narrow roads, businesses use platforms for advertising and operations, further encroaching on pedestrian space.
The Corporation launched a smart pedestrian platform project under the Smart Cities Mission in 2020, aiming to develop footpaths on WB Road, Puthur High Road, EVR Road, and others with an investment of over ₹69 crore. Some damaged footpaths, like those on Vayalur Road and Thillai Nagar Main Road, have been restored recently. The smart roads were designed with footpaths on both sides and underground utility systems to facilitate smooth pedestrian movement. However, most footpaths remain encroached upon, rendering their intended purpose futile.
“Due to encroachments, the width of the roads has shrunk to a large extent over the years, posing a safety threat to pedestrians and motorists,” said P. Ayyarappan, a road safety activist.
Encroachments by shops on Thillai Nagar and Sastri Road have occupied footpaths with banners. On Pattabiraman Salai, pedestrian platforms have been completely encroached upon by shops selling used two-wheelers.
Road users complain that the available road space is used for unauthorized parking of vehicles on both sides, leading to frequent traffic congestion. “One example is Melapudur Main Road, where parked two-wheelers fill up the road space during the day,” said C. Shakthi, a motorist.
Meanwhile, the civic body has recently launched a survey to identify encroachments on commercial streets in the city. “Notices will be served to owners of the properties encroaching upon the footpaths hindering pedestrian movement. Support of city police will be sought to carry out the eviction drive,” said a senior Corporation official.
