M.G Road, Mission Street to get major facelift under ADB programme in Puducherry

Under a programme funded by Asian Development Bank, the Puducherry government plans to improve pedestrian infrastructure and create attractive public spaces. | Photo Credit: KUMAR SS Under a funding programme by the Asian Development Bank, the Public Works Department has evolved a plan to improve pedestrian infrastructure and create attractive public spaces while maintaining the commercial and cultural character of Puducherry’s two main arterial roads — the Mahatma Gandhi Road and Mission Street.A detailed project report prepared by the Public Works Department was currently under review by an ADB consultant before floating of the tender for taking up the work to give a facelift to the two-stretches, considered to be major business hubs besides Jawaharlal Nehru Street in Puducherry.A team of senior officials, led by Secretary A. Muthamma recently conducted a physical inspection of the roads as part of implementing the ambitious programme taken up by the Puducherry government, estimated to cost around ₹100 crore. Of the total cost, seventy percentage of the funding would come from ADB and the remaining would be incurred by the territorial administration.“We are expecting the design prepared by the PWD to be approved by the ADB consultant by the end of this month. Once completed, the two stretches will become the signature roads of Puducherry. The entire project is conceptualised to make the roads pedestrian-friendly by retaining some of its essential characters. Post-renovation, both the corridors will be a sought-after place for tourists too,” an official told The Hindu.At present, pedestrian movement on these stretches was affected by inadequate and discontinuous footpaths, parking on pedestrian walkways, encroachment by commercial establishments and vendors. In the absence of designated pedestrian crossings, people were forced to walk on the carriageway with great difficulty while attempting to move around without getting hurt due to the heavy vehicle presence.While the focus would be to make the corridor safe for pedestrians, the project has been designed to cater to the interests of the business community, institutions and also residents through professional design and better utilisation of available public space, while preserving the commercial and heritage identity of the town, the official said. As the traditional Sunday Market functions on M.G. Road, special emphasis would be given for accommodation of pop-up stalls and vendors on both sides. There would be provision for pedestrian-only market activity on the specific days. The design would also cater to the parking needs on the stretch, the official added.Considering the heritage sensitivity of Mission Street, the official said the focus would be on improvement of public spaces around important locations, such as Vedapuriswarar Temple, standardisation of shop signages, use of suitable streetscape elements, including cobblestone treatments at selected crossings for traffic calming and placemaking.“We have several religious and educational institutions on these two corridors. There will be improved access to schools, churches, temples and heritage buildings on both the roads. The project will enhance the overall streetscape, urban aesthetics and public-realm quality,” said another official. Published - November 05, 2026 09:35 pm IST