In a move to make Thiruvanmiyur beach more accessible for differently-abled individuals, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has floated a tender to construct a wooden pathway under the Singara Chennai Project.
The project, estimated at Rs. 1.18 crore, aims to provide an inclusive beach experience by constructing a ramp extending from the entrance to the shoreline. The pathway will be 2.5 meters wide and built using non-corrosive, weather-resistant materials such as treated wood, composite decking, and marine-grade stainless steel for railings. Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) guard rails will also be installed for additional durability.
According to the GCC, the materials selected for construction include red Meranti, Babool, and Brazilian IPE wood. The ramp will feature traffic kerbs, guard rails, and a sturdy wooden pathway leading directly to the beach. Officials have stated that the work is expected to be completed within six months, making it the third such ramp in the city after similar installations at Marina Beach and Elliot’s Beach in Besant Nagar.
Previously, in November 2022, a 263-meter-long and 3-meter-wide accessibility ramp was built at Marina Beach at a cost of Rs. 1.14 crore. However, in December 2022, Cyclone Mandous caused significant damage to the wooden pathway, with strong winds and tidal surges resulting in parts of the ramp coming apart. Following appeals from differently-abled individuals and senior citizens for stronger and more durable materials, the ramp was reconstructed in June 2023 with enhanced resilience against weather conditions and public misuse.
More recently, on February 11, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated a new accessibility pathway for persons with disabilities at Besant Nagar Beach, near the Karl Schmidt Memorial. This pathway measures 190 meters in length and 2.8 meters in width, marking the city’s second beach accessibility ramp.