Coimbatore

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Coimbatore, a bustling industrial hub and the second largest city in Tamil Nadu, is facing significant urban mobility challenges. With a population of 2 million, the city has witnessed a staggering 125 percent increase in vehicle population. While walking and cycling account for a quarter of trips, most streets lack safe infrastructure for these modes of transport and the existing public transport system is inadequate and requires significant improvement. There is an urgent need to scale up efforts to implement a sustainable city-wide transformation.

We believe that creating Healthy Streets—streets that prioritise walking, cycling, and access to public transport—will not only improve road safety but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve access to economic opportunities, and create a people-friendly city for all.

Why

As part of the first phase, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation has selected six prominent roads for transformation: DB Road, TV Swamy Road, Sanganoor Road, NSR Road, Masakalipalayam Road, and Race Course Road, covering a total of 13.1 kilometres. The revamping includes creating broad pedestrian-friendly pathways, designated zones for parking and vendors, safer crossings, and improved provisions for utilities. The aim is to make these roads more people-centric and conducive to sustainable mobility.

Since 2013, Coimbatore City has been working on managing parking, but significant progress was made in 2020 with the support of senior leadership and ITDP’s assistance. City officials and political representatives participated in a study visit to Bengaluru, where they learned about best practices in parking management. The city has also prepared area-level parking management plans for two pilot neighbourhoods, covering approximately 3 square kilometres each.

To further enhance parking management, Coimbatore City is committed to adopting a comprehensive Parking Policy as part of its 2023 outcome budget. The city is working closely with traffic policy experts and recently hosted a city-level stakeholder workshop, led by the mayor. The workshop aimed to engage key stakeholders in identifying parking-related issues and exploring viable solutions.

Through these initiatives, Coimbatore is adopting a holistic approach to address parking challenges, recognizing the crucial role effective parking management plays in reducing traffic congestion, enhancing accessibility, and improving the overall quality of life for its residents. ITDP India continues to work closely with the city to drive sustainable mobility solutions and transform Coimbatore into a more people-friendly and environmentally sustainable city.