Space below Mooppanar flyover to get artificial flower gardens, walking paths and better lighting

After several dry spells and repeated complaints about wilted plants, the underpass under the Mooppanar flyover near Chamiers Road is set to be revamped. Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans to replace the faded vertical garden with decorative flower structures for ornamental display.

According to a Corporation official, the project, estimated to be worth around Rs 1.25 crore, includes not only embellishment but also rejuvenation of the area under the flyover. This involves building a reinforced concrete underpass with approach roads, drainage lines and retaining walls to improve vehicle movement under the bridge.

In the plan, there are decorative flower installations with red rose, red hibiscus and golden sunflower motifs on the overpass, and white jasmine, orange marigold and red rose motifs in the underpass section.

Meanwhile, similar attention is yet to be paid to greenery under other flyovers such as those on TTK Road and Royapettah. Sundara Vadivel, who works regularly on TTK Road, said that the vertical garden installed under the flyover has been in poor condition and neglected for several days. “The same structure installed under the flyover near Vani Mahal in T.Nagar was removed a few months ago. The same artificial plants and rejuvenation should be planted under these flyovers soon to prevent waste dumping, open defecation and encroachment by drinkers after dark,” he said.

An official from the Gulf Cooperation Council stated that the flyovers at Doveton, Kalaivanar, Peters Road, Conronsmith Road, Rangarajapuram and Vyasarpadi will all be renovated, but only next year. Plans include new greenery, better solar-powered lighting and CCTV cameras for security. People can look forward to walkways, ornamental plants, benches, and even playgrounds or outdoor gyms. He said the budget of Kalaivanar flyover is ₹ 3.74 crore, Doveton is ₹ 3.25 crore and Rangarajapuram railway flyover is ₹ 2.53 crore.