CHENNAI: Chiselled at a huge cost and public perseverance, the Pondy Bazaar pedestrian plaza is all set to be thrown open on October 2, three weeks before Diwali. To cash in on the festive fervour, Greater Chennai Corporation has planned a series of celebrations including music shows, street plays and competitions during the period.

After 15 days, the 730m stretch will be handed over to shopkeepers, the key stakeholders. A separate operation and maintenance contract is in the pipeline to maintain the street furniture and keep the plaza clean. The corporation has identified 234 vacant spots on either side of the road to accommodate vehicles and another plot to park 50 cars as the multi-level parking facility will take another nine months to come up.

“We have completed 90% of the civic work. In another 15 days, we will set up street furniture, children’s play equipment, steel dustbins, pots for plants, sculptures, do landscaping and paint the walls. Colourful sheets will be used to cover EB boxes,” said Raj Cherubal, CEO of Chennai Smart City Limited. Read more..