Chennai: CUMTA Set To Unveil Comprehensive Mobility Plan In June

The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) is gearing up to unveil the comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) for the expanded Chennai Metropolitan Area (CMA) by June, marking a significant milestone in the city's urban development efforts.

The updated plan is for 25 years and will last up to 2048.

The comprehensive mobility plan aims to address people's mobility needs and the infrastructure required for all modes, as well as to integrate both land use (i.e., the geographical distribution of activities) and transportation systems.

The aim is to present a long-term vision of mobility in the entire Chennai metropolitan area, covering all modes of transport and focusing on the movement of people rather than vehicles.

The updated plan will differ from the 2018 plan as it will cover a larger area of 5,904 sq km, compared to the previous 1,189 sq km, spanning five districts.

Under the leadership of CUMTA Special Officer I Jayakumar, the authority has conducted a primary survey in collaboration with an agency, laying the groundwork for a strategic approach to transportation planning.

Ahead of finalising the draft, CUMTA is set to convene a preliminary meeting with stake-holding departments, ensuring comprehensive input from key stakeholders.

Jayakumar underscores the pivotal role of land use patterns and transportation modes in the city's development, emphasising the symbiotic relationship between the two.

With transportation infrastructure serving as a linchpin for urban growth, the CMP endeavours to integrate land use and transport seamlessly, aligning with the objectives outlined in the Third Master Plan.

Central to the CMP's vision is a structured approach to growth in the extended region, with a strong emphasis on enhancing public transport infrastructure to reduce reliance on private vehicles.

The plan advocates for the establishment of multi-modal transport hubs akin to Tambaram, Guindy, Avadi, and Ambattur, fostering a shift towards sustainable modes of transportation.

In a bid to address the evolving needs of the CMA, the CMP will explore the extension of the Metro Rail corridor, with proposed expansions from the airport to Kilambakkam and Poonamallee to Thirumazhisai.

These initiatives are aligned with the government's directive to accommodate the CMA's expanded boundaries, as outlined in Government Order No. 184.

Spanning five districts and encompassing various urban and rural entities, the expanded Chennai Metropolitan Planning Area (CMPA) presents a complex landscape for urban planners.

CUMTA's exhaustive primary survey, facilitated by consulting firm SYSTRA, has laid the groundwork for informed decision-making, with data spanning road networks, traffic volumes, and demographic profiles, reports The Hindu.

Emphasising the theme of "GRIDS" — green, resilient, inclusive, development-focused, and safe movement — the CMP underscores a commitment to reducing the city's carbon footprint while ensuring equitable access to transportation amenities.

Drawing on a wealth of primary and secondary data sources, including census and environmental data, CUMTA is poised to deliver a forward-thinking mobility plan that addresses the diverse needs of Chennai's residents.

As Chennai embarks on this transformative journey towards sustainable mobility, the unveiling of the CMP stands as a testament to the city's commitment to fostering inclusive and resilient urban development.