Chennai is constantly developing its transportation system, with the CMRL (Chennai Metro Rail Limited) project, started in 2007, being one of its longest and biggest. This initiative by the Government proves to be convenient for the general public, as it has eased transportation within the congested city, especially to parts that don’t have rail or regular bus services. However, although it has served its purpose of being an efficient mode of transport, there are many drawbacks to the construction of the Metro that have been hindering the smooth flow of city traffic. Many of the Metro Rail construction sites are hindering traffic flow on main and byroads.
Arcot Road, one of the main arterial roads in Chennai, has become a one-way, like several others, due to Metro construction. A motorist who frequently travels down this road says that it is not a big issue because detours to other small roads are possible but there is nobody to guide the drivers. “The roads are very uneven. I have to hit the brakes on those roads constantly, which gives me a backache and a headache throughout my journey,” she says.
The Arcot Road junctions have become very confusing, with the one-way routes changing ever so often. Google Maps is futile when it comes to these sudden changes, for obvious reasons. In order to ease traffic at junctions like the Sterling Road Junction in Nungambakkam, the statues and traffic islands that divided the road have been removed. But there is another problem: the CMRL project has demolished some of Chennai’s favourite cityscapes and landmarks held dear by the public!
The primary education building of Good Shepherd School on College Road has had to be demolished for this project. The building was razed recently to build a Metro Station at the spot. This building, apart from being a longstanding centre of learning for girls, also holds a strong emotional connect for both current students and alumnae of the school. An alumna says: “The school was everything! It was quiet, peaceful and beautiful. Plus, it was a prime environment to study. There were lots of trees and it gave a wholesome study environment. The environment of a school definitely matters. It helps in the holistic development of a child.”
Despite petitions and court hearings, the primary school building could not be saved. Currently, the building is partly demolished, making the desolate classrooms visible to people who pass by Sterling Junction. The students witness this heartbreaking sight of their classrooms, where a plethora of memories was made. It is saddening to see many such sites of significance being taken down.
Ongoing metro construction at Sterling Road Junction. Source: Aishwarya
Another prime location is the Thiru Vi Ka Park at Shenoy Nagar. This park of lush greenery was once many things to many people. The park has seen enthusiastic adults practise yoga and meditation, while the elderly used to visit the park regularly for their refreshing morning promenades. Youngsters engaged in energetic jogs along the tracks of the park and children revelled in the playground. This serene park was destroyed to build the Shenoy Nagar Metro Station in 2017. Around 200 trees were uprooted in the process. Although the park was partially restored, this has been one more sacrifice for the sake of Metro Rail.
Open Auditorium in Thiru Vi Ka Park, Shenoy Nagar, after restoration. Source: Madhavan.
Other green spots like Panagal Park in T Nagar also face the same plight in order to facilitate this project. It makes one wonder whether these sacrifices for the sake of modern conveniences are worth it after all. Only time will tell.