Articles by Aruna Natarajan

Chennai offers a slew of transportation options for its citizens. The MRTS network that serves as a key connection with the suburbs, the swanky Metro rail that now connects large parts of the city and the well-networked bus system play an important role when it comes to commuting within the city. In addition to this, Chennai has a large number of private vehicles, with two-wheelers topping the list. As a result, the city grapples with congestion, lack of parking space and issues such as air pollution from vehicular emissions. With the aim of curbing the ill-effects of rising personal vehicle…

The bustling shopping area of Pondy Bazaar in T Nagar has seen many changes over the last few years. For many, the street provides a one-stop solution to all they may need. Just take a walk down the street and you can get anything, from freshly ground coffee powder to large household appliances, all at various prices. Pondy Bazaar was famous for its pavements lined with small shops and street vendors who sat outside the larger outlets that were found on either side. The stretch where most of the shopping took place was also one that was least pedestrian-friendly.  This…

This article is part of our special series on Delhi Elections 2020 The Delhi Assembly elections to be held on February 8 is a three way contest between the INC, BJP and AAP. All three parties have released detailed manifestos outlining their policies and plans on key issues that impact the daily lives of Delhiites. Here is a handy comparison of the stance taken by the three parties on various subjects.  Click here for the complete manifestos: AAP, BJP, INC AAP BJP INC Education World class education facility to be made available for every child Building on the successes of Happiness…

When the smart cities mission was launched in 2015, it held much promise for Chennai as it was one of 20 cities selected in the initial phase. Chennai was formally identified in January 2016 for a slew of projects that ranged from water conservation to pedestrianisation. While the city saw a slow start to these projects, ranking only 37 out of 87 cities when the smart cities were ranked in 2018. However, two years later, key projects such as the Pedestrian Plaza and rolling out of smart bikes have taken place. Expansion of these initiatives are in the pipeline now,…

Chennai's many delayed road works such as flyovers and expressways have worsened the traffic snarl and increased commute times across the city. Many of these pending projects have been delayed by over two to three years, with the longest delay manifest in the decade-long work underway on the Port-Maduravoyal Expressway. Each project has faced its own obstacles including land acquisition, funds crunch and legal challenges leading to many years of wait for the commuters and residents for decongested roads. Velachery flyover Work commenced in January 2016 Cost: Rs 92 crore Project aim: The Velachery flyover project is one of the…

In view of the severe water crisis that gripped Chennai in 2019, the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (CMWSSB or Metro Water, in short) has unveiled a set of goals for 2020, which if met could help make the city water secure. The agency plans to extend its services to the underserved and unserved areas in the city this year, and ensure the following: 1. Reuse of Waste Water In order to meet the growing water needs of the city, Metro Water plans to expand the number of wastewater treatment facilities in Chennai. The city has seen two…

Chennai found itself in the grip of an acute water crisis last summer. The city saw a deficit monsoon the previous year and the reservoirs had all but run dry. Thus began a period of acute hardship for Chennaiites that lasted months. Long queues for tanker lorries across neighbourhoods became a common sight. Families survived on a mere three pots of water a day and women bore the brunt of the crisis, having to forego time at work or school to gather water. The crisis was however not without warning. Signs of scarcity had been looming for a while, but little…

This article is part of a special series: Safety of women in Indian cities From gender discrimination to sexual harassment and violence, the threats faced by women as they go about their lives are daunting. The roots of many of these critical issues lie in the social conditioning that has been in place for generations and it would be futile to try to address concerns over women's safety or issues faced by women in general without involving one of the most critical stakeholders in this entire piece: men.  Non-profit organisations and community groups working in the domain are, therefore, increasingly emphasising…

This article is part of a special series: Safety of women in Indian cities An alarming number of women have been subjected to violence and abuse in the private and public sphere over the ages, and the incidents reported are on the rise. Survivors of such trauma often require assistance on multiple fronts,  seeking medical, legal and emotional support.  State-operated emergency helplines that women can dial in times of crisis have been set up at various levels over the years, providing emergency services, police intervention, medical and legal assistance.  In addition to this, Chennai is home to various non-profit organisations…

It was an eventful, often rough, year for Chennai especially as the city faced severe water crisis in the summer. While the city grappled with this crisis, there was also cause for some cheer as the city saw the inauguration of the AG DMS-Washermanpet stretch of the metro, the opening up of the pedestrian plaza in T Nagar and several strides made in solid waste management. As we step into the new year with hope and anticipation, here are some initiatives and projects that could be expected to take off this year. Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) The Bus Rapid…