Tambaram Grapples with Widespread Illegal Parking as Corporation Delays Policy
In Tambaram, a suburb of Chennai, illegal parking has become an entrenched issue, with pavements repurposed into parking spaces and vehicles occupying bus bays along key routes like GST Road. Despite the rampant violations, the Tambaram Corporation has yet to implement a comprehensive parking policy, unlike the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), which has successfully regulated such activities.
Scope of the Problem and Infrastructure Challenges
The Tambaram Corporation oversees approximately 580 roads, with nearly 200 connecting to major arterial routes such as Velachery–Tambaram High Road, GST Road, Medavakkam Tank Road, and Perumbakkam High Road. While these arterial roads are maintained by the highways department, officials confirm that regulating parking and addressing roadside encroachments fall under the jurisdiction of the local body.
During inspections in areas like East Tambaram, Selaiyur, and West Tambaram, illegal parking was observed on both major roads and interior streets. Many commercial establishments have converted pedestrian pavements and roadside spaces into unauthorized parking areas. For instance, along GST Road near the Tambaram bus terminus, an extended bus bay is used as a paid parking lot by a nearby private hospital, exacerbating congestion.
Revenue Loss and Safety Concerns
The lack of organized parking not only disrupts traffic flow but also represents a significant revenue loss. The GCC generates approximately 6 crore rupees per month from parking fees alone. Experts estimate that with a structured approach, the Tambaram Corporation could earn at least 3 crore rupees monthly, funds that could be reinvested into local infrastructure.
Traffic safety remains a critical concern amid this chaos. According to traffic police data, 130 pedestrians have died in road accidents in Tambaram this year, with an additional 280 injured by speeding vehicles. Police note that vehicle speeds remain high on peripheral corridors, while average speeds inside the core city have dropped below 13 km/h due to congestion, increasing the risk of accidents.
Community Voices and Encroachment Issues
V Saritha, secretary of the Ganesh Nagar residents welfare association, highlighted how roadside encroachments by eateries and mobile canteens worsen the situation in several areas. "In Pallavaram and West Tambaram, pushcart eateries occupy pavements, and itinerant vendors operate along the roadside. People stop to buy food and park their vehicles randomly, creating bottlenecks. The traffic police rarely take action, so the corporation must intervene to address this problem," she emphasized.
Corporation's Response and Future Plans
Tambaram Corporation Commissioner S Balachander acknowledged the challenges, stating that the civic body faces constraints in identifying dedicated land for parking. "The corporation does not have proper space to allocate for parking. However, we are trying to create awareness and regulate parking in areas where public gathering is high," he explained.
To mitigate the issue, the corporation has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for constructing two multi-level parking facilities within its limits. "The proposed facilities will help ease congestion in the market area and East Tambaram," Balachander added.
Additionally, a 12-crore rupee project has been proposed to develop smart roads in Selaiyur, Camp Road, Rajaji Road, and Hasthinapuram. This initiative will include new pavements, underground cabling, and relaid roads, aiming to improve overall urban mobility and safety.
As Tambaram continues to grow, addressing the parking crisis through policy implementation and infrastructure development is crucial for enhancing revenue, reducing accidents, and ensuring smoother traffic flow for residents and commuters alike.
