Jaya announces world class Central Square in Chennai

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has announced the setting up of a world-class Central Square in Chennai and several housing projects across the state. So, Chennai will have its own version of a Times Square or a Trafalgar Square. 

The proposed Central Square will come up near the Central railway station here, where various forms of rail transport, long distance, Mass Rapid Transport System and the under construction metro rail were converging, she told the State Assembly.  The estimated funding of about Rs 400 crore for this purpose would be financed by Chennai Metro Rail Corporation, she added. 
This was a key commercial area and the locality housed the government general hospital, Southern Railway headquarters and Corporation of Chennai. It also witnesses severe vehicular traffic congestion, she said.

Therefore, to ensure seamless traffic, government would set up facilities, including parking lots and pavement for pedestrians with funding from Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority, she said.

"I am happy to announce that the areas around Ripon building, suburban railway terminal, Chennai Central railway station, Victoria Hall, government hospital, MRTS station and others will be developed as a world-class Central Square," Jayalalithaa said.