‘Broken Bridge’ could be mended very soon

Chennai: For all those Chennaiites who have ever wished that the Broken Bridge be rebuilt their prayers could soon be answered if a city based architecture firm’s proposal for the bridge materialises.

The bridge, which collapsed in 1977 due to heavy currents of the Adyar river, has remained in the same state for 38 years, turning into a hangout spot for the youth in the city in all those decades.

While retaining the already present infrastructure of the bridge, Tahaer Zoyab and Anupriya Subbian, the principal designers at Triple O Studio, said that they were hoping to rebuild the rest of it as part of a bigger project involving a 57-km pathway connecting Royapuram and Mahabalipuram.

Keeping in mind the rising number of walkers and cyclists in the city, the proposal appropriately called “Unbroken” suggests that this new pathway will be completely free of motorized vehicles and will provide an opportunity for cyclists to take long and safe rides in the city without taking the risk of getting hit by a car or a bike.

These days citizens are more aware of how a city's infrastructure should be. They know how it works in other countries and therefore they demand safer pathways. We are trying to work with the government to provide the same," said Zoyab.

The proposal also suggests that the pathway will have spaces for small eateries, where even the present 'bhajji' stall owners of Besant Nagar beach can put up their stalls. The architects are also making sure that no part of the construction will affect the present ecosystem of the area. The proposal is set to be presented to the Chennai Corporation at their monthly meeting which is due to happen next week. Zoyab said that the construction of the pathway would also be considerably less expensive than other projects like flyovers or malls where there would be a need for parking spaces. The architects also hope to use already constructed sidewalks along the beach stretch from Royapuram. "To be clearer, take the service lane near Marine Beach, it is already too wide and so we will use some part of that as well to create the pathway, instead of undertaking any unnecessary expenditure," said Zoyab

The proposal suggests that the pathway will be built along the beach and not on the beach. The designers claim it would benefit all those residing within a five- kilometer radius of the pathway, including those living in the fishing hamlets and slums, by improving the transit.

The proposal has been presented to the Institute of Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) and Adwait Jani from ITDP said that while the proposal is still in its early stages and enforcement of a pathway where no motor vehicles can ply would be difficult, but the idea would be a great addition to the city, especially since it connects the whole city.