SPONGE COLLABORATIVE +
WEAVING WITH WATER Team
MULLASSERY CANAL FRAMEWORK AND CANAL EDGE MASTERPLAN
The four basic principles underlying the Connect framework are: 1. Access to public transit for all residents of the city by a. Creating well-connected footpaths and cycle lanes, which ensure that pedestrians and cyclists can move around the city safely and comfortably b. Enhancing last-mile connectivity through Public Bicycle Sharing (PBS) systems and frequent Intermediate Public Transit (IPT) zones that allow users to switch between multiple modes of transport c. Redesigning bus stops to ensure they are well-lit, accessible from public spaces, and introducing cycle parking stands on the streets, alongside public nodes 2. Include all community groups while designing the streets, through a. Incorporating tactile pavers, frequent pedestrian crossings, and well-designed ramps which make streets friendly for the disabled and elderly b. Designating shared streets which prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, restrict the speed of motor vehicles, and foster community interaction through parklets c. Ensuring all citizens have easy access to toilets, feeding rooms, and community spaces on the streets 3. Activate the streets to make it vibrant and engaging by a. Reprogramming the street to include pop-up pavilions, cultural trails, and local art exhibitions, which attract diverse groups of people and create a landmark in the city b. Introducing street events, parklets, and seating that allow residents of the neighbourhood to use the street as a public space, an extension of the traditional communal porches in houses. c. Organising community events and service camps which can benefit low-income neighbourhoods and spread awareness on civic issues 4. Generate jobs and boost the local economy by a. Supporting vendors through temporary and designated vending zones on arterial streets b. Regulating the building frontages in neighbourhoods to host commercial activities, which will ensure ‘eyes on the street’ and increase footfall for local businesses c. Hosting weekly pop-up markets in public open spaces, which increase opportunities for informal businesses 2.2.4 Key components of mobility framework: The basic units of the mobility framework are characterized based on the prioritization of sustainable modes of transport. Transport & Pedestrian Planning to enhance interaction with the canal, open public space planning for resilience and liveability, and integrating utility management with street design are the key planning principles that directly influence the development of components for mobility framework. The interventions are to be included as part of the canal edge redesign, street design, or open space design. The framework plan encompasses the following components: 1. Green mobility corridor: The confluence of the Mullassery canal with Backwaters in the West and with Perandoor Canal in the East are anchored by the Marine Drive corridor and the Green Corridor proposal connecting South and North Railway Stations. These corridors shall be designed to prioritize walk, cycle, and IPT modes with dedicated tracks provided for all three modes. 2. Walk & Cycle-only street segments: With the right-of-way of street segments along the canal as the
