The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is set to take over the maintenance of footpaths and stormwater drains along a 12-km stretch of Anna Salai and parts of GST Road leading to Chennai airport, under a pilot being discussed with the State Highways Department.
The proposed handover will cover the stretch from the Quaid-e-Millath Bridge in Park Town to the airport, excluding the Teynampet–Saidapet flyover section. The move is intended to place pedestrian infrastructure and stormwater drain maintenance under the civic body, which already manages solid waste and enforcement activities within its limits.
Corporation sources told DT Next that the pilot would cover footpaths and stormwater drains on Anna Salai and parts of the Grand Southern Trunk Road. If the arrangement is completed successfully, other highway roads within the city, including Poonamallee High Road and Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, could also be handed over to the GCC.
A State Highways Department official said the department would restrict its role to laying and maintaining the main carriageways. The GCC would manage infrastructure beyond the kerb, including pavement maintenance, drain clearance and footpaths.
Discussions are currently under way to identify and finalise the stretches, according to an official from the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority. After the stretches are finalised, the Highways Department will issue a no-objection certificate (NOC) before the work begins.
During the discussions, GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran reportedly pointed out that the corporation was already carrying out solid waste management and enforcement work to clear footpaths within its jurisdiction. The civic body has also indicated that it can take responsibility for footpath maintenance and stormwater drain clearance to keep pedestrian paths free of obstructions.
The proposed transfer comes amid continuing problems on sections of Anna Salai. Mohamood Akil, a resident of Royapettah, said the footpath at the GP Road and Anna Salai intersection was encroached upon, while several other portions of the arterial road were blocked. He also pointed to missing sections and loose paving blocks that require replacement and regular maintenance.
The pilot will therefore place responsibility for two closely connected public functions—pedestrian movement and drainage upkeep—with one civic agency, while the Highways Department continues to manage the main road carriageways. The immediate next step is the finalisation of the stretches and issuance of the NOC for implementation.