Due attention being given to provide platforms for pedestrians while developing streets under Smart Cities Mission, HC told

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Taking note of the counter affidavit filed by Madurai Corporation, which stated that due attention was being given to provide platforms for pedestrians while developing the streets under the Smart Cities Mission, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court disposed of a public interest litigation petition filed in this regard.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice C.V. Karthikeyan disposed of the petition filed in 2021 by R. Vijayalakshmi of Madurai, who had sought a direction to the authorities to provide platforms, sidewalks and pathways in the existing roads and the roads proposed to be laid under the various schemes, including the Smart Cities Mission.

Madurai Corporation said the streets around Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple were developed under the Smart Cities Mission. The Corporation had provided proper platforms for pedestrians. In the four Masi streets, roads were developed with public-friendly platforms for the welfare of the public.

In Madurai city, there were roads that were under the control of the State Highways Department. These roads were maintained by them. In respect of the roads maintained by the Corporation, pedestrian facilities were provided based on the requirements. In some roads, the facilities were being provided in a phased manner, it was submitted.

There was a proposal for a subway from Madurai Railway Junction to Periyar Bus Stand. Pedestrian pathways are being provided around the century-old fort near the bus stand. The projects are friendly for differently abled persons. Many roads in the core city area have been made one-way in order to provide better space for pedestrian movement, as these roads were narrow, it was submitted.

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