Chennai has moved ahead with a 3.7-km Cooum riverfront development plan, with the Tamil Nadu government initiating the preparation of a detailed project report for three pilot stretches in central Chennai. The proposed consultancy will establish the engineering designs, cost estimates and implementation framework for improving the river’s degraded surroundings and its connection with surrounding urban areas.
The Chennai Rivers Transformation Company Ltd (CRTC) has sought consultancy services through the Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Ltd (TNUIFSL) to prepare the DPR and tender documents. The assignment excludes plantation works, which are being taken up separately. The selected consultant is required to complete the work within 30 days of receiving the Letter of Award.
The three stretches identified for the pilot are the 0.5-km section from Napier Bridge to the Cooum river mouth, the 1.2-km section between Swami Sivananda Salai and Periyar Bridge, and the 2-km section from Link Road to Dams Road. Together, they cover key sections of the riverfront in central Chennai.
The terms of reference require an assessment of the river’s existing condition, encroachments, sewage outfalls and surrounding land use. The consultant will also prepare detailed engineering designs, drawings, cost estimates and maintenance plans for the proposed works. Concept plans for all three stretches are already under preparation.
The Greater Chennai Corporation has prepared and tendered the plantation plan for the first two stretches. The plantation plan for the Link Road–Dams Road stretch is expected to be tendered shortly. Since plantation works are outside the current consultancy assignment, the DPR will focus on the broader technical and financial framework for the riverfront interventions.
The proposed works are being planned against a river environment affected by rapid urbanisation, encroachments, untreated wastewater and solid-waste accumulation. The assessment of sewage outfalls and land use will therefore form part of the initial technical exercise before the works are taken forward.
The initiative is also intended to improve access to public spaces along the waterway and strengthen the interface between the river and adjoining urban areas. The three pilot stretches are expected to provide the initial implementation framework for a wider effort to improve the Cooum’s environmental condition.
The next formal milestone is the appointment of the consultant and completion of the DPR and tender documents within the stipulated 30-day period after the Letter of Award. Plantation-related tenders for the identified stretches will proceed separately through the corporation.
